After decades of assisting businesses of all shapes and sizes with their marketing efforts I must confess I still have a soft spot for the entrepreneur – specifically, the start-up. There is simply a thrill and energy in young, entrepreneurial enterprise that time, after time, after time, puts a huge smile on my face. I love getting caught up in their passion, their excitement, their creativity and their dreams and I will always do everything I can to help entrepreneurs bring their visions to life.
Unfortunately, while long on passion, the one thing that entrepreneurs often lack is resources. Most often they are limited financially; but many times it’s a lack of available time, family support, proper planning, informed perspective (professional guidance) or just plain old business savvy. So with so many potential obstacles it is critical that entrepreneurs are RESOURCEFUL.
Plain and simple – successful entrepreneurs must be persistent and RESOURCEFUL. Some how, some way they must figure out how to work through, or around, the challenges that will undoubtedly come their way.
So the word for today is RESOURCEFUL. And that brings me to one of my favorite stories; a fantastic example of entrepreneurial RESOURCEFULNESS.
Once upon a time we were approached by a young, but very successful chef. This young man possessed a wonderful resume that included several of DC’s better known restaurants. He obviously had the culinary talent – and now he had a dream; he wanted to build a catering company to rival the best in the city.
His initial problem was he had no commercial facility from which he could work and no money to rent one. So what is a chef to do when he has no available kitchen?
Well, here’s what this young man did: after knocking on a number of possible doors he finally came upon a suburban racquet club that had a cafe – along with a full, larger than life, commercial kitchen. At the time the cafe was, shall we say, woefully underperforming. The cafe provided patrons with some prepackaged snacks along with drink vending machines and during lunch you could enjoy a hot dog. Get the picture?
My client struck a deal with club management; he would take over operations of the cafe and turn it into something special for the club members to enjoy and in return he would simultaneously utilize the commercial kitchen for his catering enterprise.
Within weeks the transformation of the cafe was almost fairy tale like. The racquet club became the place to go for lunch if you were any where near the place! The new cafe was serving up delicious and healthy meals that rivaled spa cuisine at it’s finest! Then he added themed dinners (seafood night, prime rib night, Mexican night etc.) and actually started making money at the cafe (something management had never dreamed of) all the while building his own catering business just as he planned.
Over the years I have seen hundreds of entrepreneurs creatively work through, and around, all sorts of challenges. Today I tip my hat to their RESOURCEFULNESS and encourage all of us to develop more of that same creative thinking capacity.
Hackers and Malware and Bears: Oh, My!
ACS Creative’s Hosting Keeps Your Online Dangers at Bay.
Who knows all the hazards a website can face in cyber-space?
Nobody, sorry to say. The dangers keep changing so fast. Hackers, Malware, DDoS attacks, brute-force breaches, etc…
But with ACS Creative’s Hosting there is one thing you can count on: well-rounded, well-maintained defense for your site, sales and customer data.
How do you get all of that? Here’s the gist:
Get 24/7/365 security. Choose a top-notch, offsite, firewall-protected servers in a weather-proof “bunker” with round-the-clock monitoring.
Have malware/SPAM/error protection. Have keen cyber-sentries constantly scan for malware and other threats—and alert you in time to avoid major mischief.
Practice automatic back up. Capture all site data at least once a day (ideally twice). So if the worst happens, you won’t be set back far.
Not sure your site hosting does all of this? Get yourself an expert to supervise your ongoing defense. That’s how we can help.
Websites are Disappearing from Google and We Can Help!
I’ve been asked many times over the past week regarding how the “mobile-friendly” changes that Google has implemented recently with their search algorithm will impact websites – or, a sites ability to be found on a Google search.
Let me try to shed some light on this subject – along with a shameless promo for the remedy we can provide to you.
Every site that we’ve designed in the last 4 years has been done to display well on any mobile device. However, that does not mean that it is “mobile-friendly” by Google’s recent standards.
So, if your site is not “mobile-friendly”, or Responsive, then Google will reduce the desirability rankings of your site. And, with 66% of all searches done today are done on mobile devices, your exposure can be greatly diminished.
There can be no denying that mobile devices are becoming the de-facto standard for online activity and Google is intent on delivering results to searchers that will play well on their device. Even though this change in algorithm only affects searches done on mobile devices, your desktop search ranking will be effected over time.
Ultimately, you need to have a mobile-friendly site.
Not just for this recent change in Google search criteria, but because it is the smart thing to do if you don’t want to be left behind in the online marketplace.
Stay Away from the Web Wienies!
Now don’t get me wrong as I am very grateful for the business that eventually comes our way as a result of this poor decision making, but it never ceases to amaze me how many smart, savvy, and seemingly in-the-know business people will trust their web site design and development to a bunch of Web Wienies! That’s right, Web Wienies! And by Web Wienies I mean well-intentioned and good hearted people whom are simply woefully under-skilled in the business of today’s competitive web-centric environment. Often these practitioners have an eye for design or perhaps a penchant for some basic HTML coding and page building. But unfortunately for the enterprises entrusting these webmaster wannabes with the cornerstone of their business marketing – the price they pay in lost business and under-performing online activities is often far too large to even calculate.
And so, every week we get called into new website projects where somebody’s friend, neighbor, cousin, nephew, even spouse (Heaven forbid), or even a freelance connection that initially looked good, has dropped the ball, over-promised and never delivered, or sometimes – and maybe the worst; delivered a sub-par finished product that is probably doing your business more harm than good.
For 90% of the businesses out there today a strong, highly functional web presence is an imperative that you simply cannot do without. It’s time to stop delegating this oh-so important component of your business to anyone but those whom are up to the task – and there is plenty of good, solid competition out there. But unfortunately there are still plenty of people willing to take on your assignment whom are not up to the challenge – the Web Wienies. Do you and your business a big favor and stay away from the Web Wienies!
Uh-oh… Have you handed your website over to a Web Wienie? Or, are you on the brink of handing your web project over to a potential Web Wienie? I encourage you to carefully reconsider your options. Instead, pick up the phone and call us right now and let’s get your project on the right track to web success and powerful results. You deserve no less!
And the Award Goes to… Jerry’s Trophies’ New Site!
Jerry’s Trophies, a versatile trophy shop in Mt. Airy, MD, recently sought the help of ACS Creative to aid in creating an online presence that would be accessible across the various devices potential customers might be using looking for their services in todays market.
After our initial meeting with Jerry’s Trophies we made the suggestion of not only aiding them in creating an online presence but also to refresh their current brand and identity as well. No stranger to longevity, Jerry’s Trophies was ready for the change and with their approval ACS developed a fully-responsive website that showcases not just the multiple types of services and products, company’s history from dog supply and food to trophies & recognition awards. Visitors now have the capability to Place an Order request, download vendor catalogs, and view current client testimonials.
In keeping with the Jerry’s Trophies Mission Statement their new website is easy and accessible for all customers and keeps with their “small, local feel, yet provide the goods & services you expect from a large corporation” moto!
Check out the new site here!
ACS Celebrates the Heroes at Fairfax CASA!
If you want to get a good look at an organization that is truly making a difference in this world of ours please join all of us at ACS in celebrating the efforts and works of the incredible people at Fairfax CASA. It has been our honor and privilege at ACS in recent years to work with and serve this tireless team of superstars under the direction of their Executive Director, Lisa Banks.
At times it can be difficult to stay on point with this treasured client on matters of marketing, website design and development, promotion and social media, when the context of their days carries so much more of what seems real importance; protecting the lives of abused and neglected children right here in our beloved Fairfax VA. Their cause will bring a tear to your eye. Their stories will put a lump in your throat. And thankfully, their efforts will put a smile on your face.
In 2013 CASA volunteers spent 23,299 hours advocating for the lives of children whole lives and futures sit precariously at a point of darkness and light.
Want to take a quick peek at what’s gong on here? This short video will provide the overview.
Are you personally up for such a challenge? If so, visit here and learn more.
Want to make a charitable contribution to support this fine work? Click here!
I would like to thank Lisa Banks for the continued opportunity to work with and serve the Fairfax CASA dream team. May we continue to reach for and achieve the ideals, goals and results that make such a positive difference in the lives of these precious children.
Thank you Lisa.
Butler’s Orchard Takes a Bite Out of their Online Presence
Recently, ACS Creative had the pleasure of working with Butler’s Orchard, a local family owned and operated farm for over 60 years. Through the years Butler Orchards has seen many changes, such as, their expansion from a 25-acre farm selling only peaches to a more than 300 acre farm growing dozens of varieties of produce.
To keep up with their available pick-your-own crops and activities offered at the farm, Butler Orchard was looking to update their website. They needed a site that was easy to independently modify to keep information about their tours, farmers market hours and other seasonal events up to date. Not to mention update the look of the website to better reflect what the farm is today and the variety of services that they offer.
ACS Creative brought this 60-year-old farm into the 21st century with a fully responsive, database-driven site. The custom designed site is SEO friendly and easy for Butler Orchard to update with its WordPress backend admin. Plus, the fresh new look of the site adapts to mobile and tablet applications.
So, if you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend be sure to add Butler’s Orchard to one of your places to visit with your family or friends. To see what ACS Creative was able to creative for them or to see what Butler’s Orchard currently has on their activity schedule, visit their website at: https://www.butlersorchard.com. Happy picking!
Client Executions Begin Tomorrow at 8am
Let me ask you a very serious question about your business; how many times have your “great idea” marketing campaigns or exciting growth plans failed to get off the ground? How many times do the best of your strategic planning sessions go unfulfilled, ending with a whisper, a whimper or make no sound at all? If you have experienced this sort of “failure to launch” on more than one occasion you are not alone. Turns out there are huge numbers of companies that can brainstorm, conceptualize and dream the grandest of plans only to see them go nowhere. Conversely, there are other companies that execute operationally very well – but simply fall short on the strategic planning and ideation necessary for big marketing success.
If your company is one of the few that can do both, I tip my hat to you. You are one of the very, very few.
If, however, you find that your company struggles with either the ideation or the execution of great marketing activities I have some very good news: this is exactly what our team of marketing and design professionals at ACS Creative bring to the table for our clients – more than 20 years of successful strategic planning and the execution required to make marketing work for our clients.
Let me invite you to collaborate with us and let our time proven expertise in media and marketing help guide and support the planning and execution of your next campaign. We bring a lot to the table; more good ideas than you can whiteboard on a week long conference, plus the ability to execute in a timely and efficient manner assuring your very best chance at the successes you seek.
Search Engine Marketing – done. Email Marketing – we’re on it. Trade Show Marketing – one day we’ll write the book on this one. Direct Mail – we got that. Radio Advertising – we know this like few others. Social Strategies – just ask.
All this goodness, and more, can begin with a phone call. Call us today at 888-513-3744. The initial session is absolutely FREE with No Obligation on your part. We think you’ll like what you hear. And then we’ll get those BIG plans back on track.
How Entrepreneurs Make BIG Things Happen
After decades of assisting businesses of all shapes and sizes with their marketing efforts I must confess I still have a soft spot for the entrepreneur – specifically, the start-up. There is simply a thrill and energy in young, entrepreneurial enterprise that time, after time, after time, puts a huge smile on my face. I love getting caught up in their passion, their excitement, their creativity and their dreams and I will always do everything I can to help entrepreneurs bring their visions to life.
Unfortunately, while long on passion, the one thing that entrepreneurs often lack is resources. Most often they are limited financially; but many times it’s a lack of available time, family support, proper planning, informed perspective (professional guidance) or just plain old business savvy. So with so many potential obstacles it is critical that entrepreneurs are RESOURCEFUL.
Plain and simple – successful entrepreneurs must be persistent and RESOURCEFUL. Some how, some way they must figure out how to work through, or around, the challenges that will undoubtedly come their way.
So the word for today is RESOURCEFUL. And that brings me to one of my favorite stories; a fantastic example of entrepreneurial RESOURCEFULNESS.
Once upon a time we were approached by a young, but very successful chef. This young man possessed a wonderful resume that included several of DC’s better known restaurants. He obviously had the culinary talent – and now he had a dream; he wanted to build a catering company to rival the best in the city.
His initial problem was he had no commercial facility from which he could work and no money to rent one. So what is a chef to do when he has no available kitchen?
Well, here’s what this young man did: after knocking on a number of possible doors he finally came upon a suburban racquet club that had a cafe – along with a full, larger than life, commercial kitchen. At the time the cafe was, shall we say, woefully underperforming. The cafe provided patrons with some prepackaged snacks along with drink vending machines and during lunch you could enjoy a hot dog. Get the picture?
My client struck a deal with club management; he would take over operations of the cafe and turn it into something special for the club members to enjoy and in return he would simultaneously utilize the commercial kitchen for his catering enterprise.
Within weeks the transformation of the cafe was almost fairy tale like. The racquet club became the place to go for lunch if you were any where near the place! The new cafe was serving up delicious and healthy meals that rivaled spa cuisine at it’s finest! Then he added themed dinners (seafood night, prime rib night, Mexican night etc.) and actually started making money at the cafe (something management had never dreamed of) all the while building his own catering business just as he planned.
Over the years I have seen hundreds of entrepreneurs creatively work through, and around, all sorts of challenges. Today I tip my hat to their RESOURCEFULNESS and encourage all of us to develop more of that same creative thinking capacity.
Web Presence: Getting Started
How your business benefits from consistent updates and technologies
Your business website is up and running. You’re tweeting on Twitter, posting on Facebook and even connecting on LinkedIn. To further validate your digital communication efforts social media links have been listed at the bottom of your website and your web address has been listed on all of your social sites. Congratulations! You have successfully created a web presence… along with thousands of other competing businesses. Don’t get down just yet. Web presence is HUGE and you have successfully taken the first step.
Web presence is not mandatory for every company to be successful. As a matter of fact, several established businesses do just fine without ever establishing a website or creating a social media account. However, if your does company decides to invest in a digital footprint, why not do it the right way? Read more
Why “Hope” isn’t a Practical Marketing Approach
“People do business only with those they know, like and trust.” So just tell compelling, transparent, authentic stories about your brand and watch the sales roll in, right? Wrong. Hope is not an effective strategy.
Some B-to-B brands use content marketing to soft sell, essentially disguising what they’re really up to. Others have fallen victim to the “telling a good story” myth-where somehow customers start buying based on emotional pixie dust. The truth is if you want more leads and sales from content marketing, what you publish must ultimately cause customers to become so confident in themselves (as buyers) that they ask you for the sale.”
Read article »
Source TargetMarketing.com