VALENTINE'S DAY!

VALENTINE'S DAY

 "To love and be loved is to feel the sun on both sides"

VALENTINES DAY kind of breaks up the slower winter months.  It is a special time that is fun, colorful and full of suprises.  Some choose Valentines Day for a Wedding--Vegas seems to be a popular, fun and fairly easy wedding destination.  Romance is in the air!

Unique and Memorable Gifts or Suprises are always appreciated.  This year do something that will make the entire neighborhood aware of the Surprise!  Rent a Yard Card or Lawn Display and display your feelings with Yard Display.  Imagine the Smiles!
 

KID's Valentine FUN!

 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Writer and Blogger

www.homeandhealthtips.com/     www.theyardcarddirectory.com/

 

YOUR FALL BUSINESS

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

With Fall upon us and cooler weather starting in many states, it is sometimes difficult to keep up the good attitude.  Depending on what your business is, you may need some adjustments. If you are in business with selling items or in retail, the upcoming Fall and Winter Holidays may be YOUR time of YEAR for revenue. You must take on a cheerful, high energy persona. 

For those "outdoor" type businesses that rely on good weather, such as the Lawn Display business, it can be much more difficult.  If you are delivering a Yard Card during a blizzard or rain storm, late at night or early morning, it can be a daunting experience.  However if you remember the joy that you will be bringing to the recipient the following morning, you will realize that the effort is worth the challenges. If you are in the Lawn Display business.

Attitude is most important. It is more important than circumstances. Each day we have a choice regarding our attitude for the day or the day's work. We cannot change the inevitable, but we can change our attitude towards it.  It is a small percentage as to what happens to us in relation to how we view, handle, or react to what is happening. Put a smile on your face, meet the day with gratitude and caring and you will be happier doing your job.

This is one of the Best Websites for learning about business, blogging, website creation, advertising and promoting.  Lisa also does great videos for small and large companies. 

 
"Failure is not falling down, but refusing to get up." chinese proverb
 

Have a pleasant, profitable Fall business!  

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
 

 COMMENTS WELCOME!

 

Marty Miller:  www.homeandhealthtips.com   www.theyardcarddirectory.com/
Artist, Entrepreneur, Business Consultant and writer.

BUILDING A GOOD WEBSITE

BUILDING A GOOD WEBSITE OR BLOG

"The more places you are seen, the better you are recognized." (author unknown)

When you start a website you must first make sure that you have a passion, product or service that will be interesting to people. Research the other websites in your area of interest. If you are unsure of what you might want to start as a website, try Blogging until you decide what you are truly passionate about.

IDEAS for WEBSITES
* Choose a Domain name that is relevant to your business.  There are many places to register Domain Names ex.: GoDaddy.  If you want to check to see if your "chosen name" is available go to www.whois.com   Choose a DOT.com if possible, although there are many new choices the .coms are the most common.
* Make your Home Page as attractive as possible. It is your BOOK COVER!  It must fit the business that you are in.  If you are in Lawn Displays your page should be colorful, happy looking and have good attractive content.
     * YOUR STATE NAME should be on your Home Page. Many folks search by State for local services of friends or family may be searching for a compnay in another State. 
     * Have pertinent information about your business on your HOME PAGE. 
     * Potential customers will generally not spend the time to search for information not postedon your home page. 
      * As a general rule you have about 5 seconds to grab attention.
Once you have your Home Page set the way that you would like it, you may add additional pages with a Menu Bar placed on your home page for the customer to click.
     * Yard Card Businesses Join Directories, they generally come up high in searches. Usually one or Two rentals will pay for your Join Fee.
     
In preparation for starting your website or Blog an excellent website to view is 2CreateaWebsite.  Lisa is very knowledgeable in many areas of websites, blogging, U-tube and so much more.  She is extremely easy to follow and gives great advice.

REMEMBER that most people search for what they are looking for on the Internet.  It takes awhile to get noticed with so many websites out there.
 
  "There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate".  ~Robert Brault

Marty Miller;  Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Writer Artist
www.yardcarddirectory.com   www.homeandhealthtips.com

VALENTINES DAY 2013

                          "To love and be loved is to feel the sun on both sides"

VALENTINES DAY kind of breaks up the slower winter months.  It is a special time that is fun, colorful and full of suprises.  Some choose Valentines Day for a Wedding--Vegas seems to be a popular and fun & fairly easy wedding destination.  A time to Tie the Knot.  Romance is in the air!

Unique and Memorable Gifts or Surprises are always appreciated.  This year do something that will make the entire neighborhood aware of the Surprise!  Rent a Yard Card or Lawn Display and display your feelings with Yard Display.  Imagine the Smiles!

Children love to make HandMade Crafts and Recipes for Valentines Day.

YARD CARD COMPANIES--SALE to JOIN the # 1 DIRECTORY to help people find your Lawn Display BIZ!

By Marty Miller:  Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Business Advisor, Blogger
 www.homeandhealthtips.com   www.yardcarddirectory.com

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

BUSINESS  ETIQUETTE 

      "Although no one can go back in time and make a brand-new start,
        anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending,

Strive for Progress, not Perfection."  Unknown 

SOME BUSINESS ETIQUETTE TIPS:

1.  Returning Emails, Phone CallsNot getting a prompt response to a phone call or email is probably the # 1 complaint among customers; when it comes to Customer Service. I have experienced this "lack of response", even with Companies within the Yard Card industry. I send emails requesting an answer and do not hear back. Sometimes there may be a valid reason, but without that information you waste your time trying to contact the person or company. I consider it my biggest "Pet Peeve" in business.

 Communication is one of the most important parts of any business and the old saying applies here. "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you". PLEASE RESPOND to customers and other companies in a timely manner.


  2.  New technology is not always better!

Text messages or Emails can be easily misunderstood and impersonal for some topics or issues.  Since so much is done via email or mobile devices, we sometimes do not realize the value and importance of a personal phone call or personal handwritten note!

3.  DO NOT ask for Special Deals from Friends or other Businesses!

When you start a business, you may need to do some specials or extras to help your business become recognized,  but once you start doing that you may begin a trend and become a loan closet or discount store, rather than a business.  You are in Business to make money and be respected as a good business person. Your Friends and others' in business should understand that you are running a business and not expect special prices or favors.

*When I had repeat customers in my Lawn Display business, I would often tell them I would add extra balloons or Lawn Critters to their celebration display. They were delighted as it was not "expected" by my loyal customers.

I have found the best way to overcome this is to decide how many donations or "specials" that you will do in a year and stick with that. If you feel in your heart that you really want to do something extra special for someone that is up to you, but be careful or you will start to feel as though you are failing at becoming a business and are being taken advantage of.  It is fun do do doantions or special things for your repeat customers.

Another good source for Business Etiquette comes from "Manners International" 

Emily Post also has many books on Manners.   

"Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in." William Eardley

 Marty Miller: Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Business Consultant, Writer, Artist

www.yardcarddirectory.com     www.healthandhometips.com   

NETWORKING YOUR SUMMER BUSINESS

It is imperative as a Business Owner that you belong to various Networking Groups.  You cannot just pop into a meeting now and then, but you must JOIN the group and get involved with learning about other Business Owners while marketing Your product or service.  If there are no Business Groups in your area, Start one with a few other business owners that are not in your business!  It is amazing what you can learn from others in business.


NETWORKING:
Since Networking is so important to ANY business, here are a few tips when going to a business meeting, luncheon or just an informal gathering.

Prepared by Marty Miller, past President of 2 large business organizations in the Denver Metro area, who has delivered presentations on this subject.

1. Arrive early--that gives you a chance to move around and talk with several people.
2. ALWAYS ask about the other person and repeat their name back to them such as "Susan, what you do sounds so interesting" It helps you remember the person's name by repeating it & gives a compliment.
3. If there are name tags--wear it on the right, so it seen when shaking hands.
4. Concentrate on one person at a time and wrap up conversation graciously, so you may move on to another.
5. Work on a "tag line" or "memory hook" which tells about your business in the fewest words, but has an impressive impact.
6. Drop a note or postcard to those you have met or make a quick phone call saying how nice it was to meet them.
7. Be consistent about attendance at the organizations you have chosen. Usually people must become well acquainted with you before they are interested in your product or service.
8. Always send Thank You postcards to customers and also to anyone who has given you a referral. Referrals can be thanked by email although receiving actual mail is nice.

In the Yard Card/Lawn Display Business you have less interaction with customers, since most contact is done by phone. However a follow-up phone call, Thank You postcard or spending a few minutes with the customer on the phone is good customer service. This could make the difference in this customer using you for future special occasions.

"Wringing your hands only stops you from rolling up your sleeves". James Rollins

Marty Miller; www.yardcarddirectory.com     www.homeandhealthtips.com

FEATURES and BENEFITS of your Business

"The smallest deed is greater than grandest intention".  Patti Labelle

FEATURES and BENEFITS of your Business

Your potential customers need to know the Features and Benefits of your business. When preparing advertising or marketing materials for your business be sure to stress the Benefits more than the Features.

What is the difference between Features and Benefits? Features are a description of your product. Benefits are how it will impact your customer and why they should choose your product or service. Let's pick a couple of products as examples: Yard Cards/ Lawn Displays and Window Coverings.

YARD DISPLAYS

FEATURES: 5-6 ft. colorful Yard Signs, Personalized message sign, Critters in the yard like Flamingos, Buzzards, Grad Caps, Smilies and other fun creatures or props. 

BENEFITS:

"Make a friend happy with a unique early morning surprise in the yard", "Let the whole neighborhood know of your Graduate's Big Day!”,“Surprise a new Mom with a Stork in the Yard” Announce the New Baby” “Celebrate that BIG birthday with a Yard Card” "Welcome someone home from the Military".  You will make your friend or family smile and afford them recognition by creating a very visual memory.  We work with you to make the special occasion one of joy for the recipient with a wonderful Lawn Display.  Your Surpise will NEVER be forgotten!

WINDOW COVERINGS

FEATURES:

The blinds are made of durable wood and come in different sizes and colors. The curtains are made with quality fabric and you can choose the fabric, the size and the color.

BENEFITS

The blinds will allow you to have sunshine in your home during the day and privacy at night when the blinds are closed.  They are easy to open and close and you can choose different styles to meet your needs.  Our rpices are competitive and we do our best to meet all ofyour needs.

Drapes or curtains add color and beauty to your room and can complement furniture and accessories in the room. You can decorate around your curtains or blinds or pick your color theme of furniture and then chose your blinds. The fabric helps quiet excess noise in the room.

The point is:  People are more interested in the benefit to them and or the recipient than they are hearing about a long description of your product. In the Celebration Lawn Greetings business, it is all about recognizing people and offering a new type of "social expression"!

This idea can be applied to almost any business. When you describe your business, be sure you are telling the person about what your product will do for them, rather than all of the details regarding your product or service!

"You can’t be a success in any business without believing it is the greatest business in the world.  You have to put your heart in the business and the business in your heart." Thomas Watson, Sr

WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Marty Miller; Entrepreneur, Busines Owner & Coach, Writer & Artist 

www.yardcarddirectory.com/

www.homeandhealthtips.com/

BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARDS

Start a BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD

Over a year ago I did a blog on starting a Business Advisory Board.  It seemed to be a popular blog, so I thought we would revisit the subject.

ADVISORY BOARDS

An Advisory Board is a group of people (can be as small as 4) with diversified interests and opinions and different types of businesses. The group can meet once a month or maybe every other month for about 2 hrs. ea. meeting. Each person has a chance to speak and should prepare something like the previous month's *Accomplishments, Challenges & Goals. *(these will be reviewed in a future Post). A Moderator for each meeting can be chosen to manage the division of time.  When you start your Advisory Board set down some rules to begin, so that the purpose is clear to the members.  Limit the number in your group so that each member will have enough time to address the issues to be discussed.  I would say as small as 4 to no larger than 10 members.  Make it a commitment for each member to attend.

BENEFITS:

Talking with others in business who can:
* be supportive
* give unbiased ideas and help
* share your successes & celebrate your accomplishments
* understand your strengths and weaknesses
* bring fresh, new ideas to the table
* give you socialization with others in business
* help expand your business and meet personal goals
* keep you updated on other businesses or New business ideas
* give YOU the opportunity to help others with your good ideas and support

The Group becomes your Business Family. You come back to your business energized and with a new perspective and creative ideas. I have been in a group for over 17 years and find it one of the least expensive, most helpful things I have done for ME and for my Yard Card business development. Our group has met in business rooms, our homes, library private rooms and now with 4 of us we meet in a centerally located restaurant that is not very busy and we each purchase a meal and take turns talking about our business and presonal life, following the Accomplishments, Challenges and Goals format.

Form a Group of dedicated people who will be honest with you about their business and yours. STAY on TRACK at the meetings and again make it a commitment. Please comment if you need more help with this idea!

"You don't get any rewards out of this life unless you make an investment"

Sincerely,

Marty Miller   www.yardcarddirectory.com/   www.homeandhealthtips.com/

BUSINESS ATTITUDE IN THE FALL MONTHS

With Fall here and cooler weather starting in many states, it is sometimes difficult to keep up the good attitude. In the Yard Card & Lawn Display business, in many areas of the country, rain and snowstorms are in the near future.  It may not seem as fun putting up a Yard Display either early in the morning or late at night, both with more cold and physical discomfort than the rest of the day. It is important to keep in mind how happy the recipient of your display will be when they see your work!  A new mother coming home from the hospital with her baby sees the STORK in the yard and it brings her a smile.  A person who has a birthday comes out to get their newspaper and sees a "Happy Birthday Sign" knows someone cares!

Attitude is most important.  It is more important than circumstances. Each day we have a choice regarding our attitude for the day or the day's work.  We cannot change the inevitable, but we can change our attitude towards it.  It is a small percentage as to what happens to us in relation to how we view, handle or react to what is happening. Put a smile on your face, meet the day with gratitude and caring and you will be happier doing your job.

If you have ideas regarding the Yard Card Business during the colder months, please share them below in the "comments" section. 

FIND a Yard Card or Lawn Display company near you.  www.yardcarddirectory.com/

"Cheerfulness is the atmosphere under which all things thrive" Jean Paul Richter
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book


Enjoy the beauty of the Fall!

Marty Miller   http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/     www.lawnexpressions.com/

LAWN DISPLAY COMPANIES UNITE

LAWN DISPLAY COMPANIES UNITE

With 2009 behind us, it is time to start fresh by sharing our ideas, our Accomplishments, Goals and Challenges. * (1/13/10 post) * ( Dated posts relate to the previous subject matter).

We all have thoughts and ideas to share and staying inspired and challenged is part of any business. If you are not in an organization or do not have an Advisory Board *(12/31/09 post) it is imperative that you watch not only the Yard Card and Lawn Display industry and what is current; but you also need to keep a pulse on business in general.

Competition may put fire in your belly, but Collaboration will work far better in business. *(11/14/09 post) Get to know other companies in your area. Let us all collaborate *(11/11/09) by sharing and caring about what others are doing in business and what avenues are being used by the consumer to find those of us in this business, like Directories. *(12/2/09 post) Other Special Occasion companies like Flower Shops, Party Stores & Baby Stores are often willing to refer your business if you can refer them when someone needs their services.

Please Join-in with comments and become a follower of this Blog. You may contribute by emailing us.
Your contribution is appreciated!
     “When you help someone up a hill, you’re that much nearer the top yourself”

Marty Miller, Yard Card Business Owner, Artist & Writer
http://www.lawnexpressions.com/   www.yardcardirectory.com/

Yard Card and Lawn Display Company Comments

Card in-the Yard said...



After being in the Yard Card business for over 18 years you would think that we have it all figured out. No.

It's a constant challenge, especially with the state of the economy. Staying focused gets difficult sometimes when times are slow and the weather is so bad.


My strength and motivation comes everyday after morning prayer. Dedicating a few moments to being thankful for the blessings that we do have does wonders.

Dawn Coolahan
http://www.cardintheyard.com/

Dawn is a Member of www.yardcarddirectory.com/

ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CHALLENGES & GOALS IN BUSINESS

The following can help keep you "on task" for 2010 & increase and enhance your business & personal life.
If you are starting an Advisory Board for your business (refer to past post 12/31), each person can prepare this information prior to your Advisory Board Meetings.  If you do not have an Advisory Board, this process is helpful to do weekly and/or monthly to see your business progress.

 ACCOMPLISHMENTS -- Write down your accomplishments for the previous month. ie-rentals, sales, new brochure, a good business contact, whatever you feel made your month better. Brag some!  It can be something that has improved or added to your business or something that has added to your personal life.
CHALLENGES: --write down things that became a challenge for you during your previous month. ie. weather, a difficult customer, something you need help figuring out like a new idea or concept. Maybe ity is problems with children, another business or YOU just not keeping on task. Admit your shortcomings and work on them and share your challenges---others can give you some help & support. You would be amazed at how others will brainstorm for you. That is how www.yardcarddirectory.com was initiated--through advice from my Adivsory Board partners.
GOALS: These should be specific, attainable goals for the upcoming week, month or quarter. It is best if your group can meet once a month.  Again if you are doing this "on your own", designate a particular time to do this weekly and/or monthly to help you assess your business strategies.

Sometimes it is good to also work on personal goals; ie. spend 20 minutes each day with each child individually, spend 30 minutes reading, plan a date with your spouse or friend, etc.

If you are in the Yard Card Business, pay attention to others in your industry.  What are they doing that make them successful?  What can I do to improve my bottom line?  Am I a good business owner?
Do I respond to customers and other business owners' phone calls and emails promptly? 

"Everyone is important and deserves your attention and respect" (author unknown)

The following website has some very good advice for business and on living life.

http://www.spiritualwealth.com/
Comments on these postings are appreciated!

Marty Miller, Business Owner, Artist, Writer

YARD CARDS/LAWN GREETING- 2010

CELEBRATION LAWN DISPLAY BUSINESS 2010

Happy 2010 to all of you! 

We have done a lot of postings on business, in general, since Oct. 2009. 

Today Jan 1st, 2010, I am going to target Yard Card & Lawn Greeting businesses.  It is such a Fun way to celebrate all special occasions.   Lawn Cards, Yard Signs & Inflatables can be rented for New Babies, Adoptions, Birthdays, Graduations, Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, Trade Shows and just about any event you wish to celebrate.

A Yard Card or Lawn Display is such a good way to annouce your special occasion to your friends & neighbors. It is fun to rent for a friend for his/her special birthday or Stork for a new baby.  Many companies have actual character figures, others have sign boards with various critters or smaller items in the yard.  This gives the consumer the choice of a unique way to celebrate an occasion. Most companies deliver at night or early in the morning. The recipients get their memorable yard display when they get up in the morning! 

Since the inception of www.lawnexpressions.com/  in 1990 we have watched people all over the US and Canada start Lawn Greeting businesses.  I enjoy watching other companies grow and love to help & support all companies in this particular industry.

We started www.yardcarddirectory.com/ in 2003 and hope to get many more companies involved in as many on-line Directories as possible. If you are on this Directory you may write posts for this blog, which will help your company's internet visibility.  Most consumers find it easier to find a product or service on the internet than to try to find it in a phonebook.

Hurray for FUN!  Let us flourish in 2010!   Please read some of the postings that might be helpful to you in any business endeavor.  Comments are appreciated!

"You don't get any rewards out of this life unless you make an investment"

Best Regards for a Great Year!

Marty Miller--Business Owner, Artist, Writer

History of Yard Cards & Lawn Displays

History of Yard Cards & Lawn Displays

When I started business in 1990 there were just about 3 companies that could be found on the internet for this specialized, social expression industry. The first company that I was aware of was in the mid 1980's and it was a company that was started by 2 MI teachers with signs about 3-4 ft. tall. I found it in a feature article in a small newspaper. I thought "Wow, what a great idea." Then I started seeing a few Stork Sign Rental companies.


Since I had always had an interest in Parties & celebrating people's special events this seemed like something really fun, thus I started working on a business plan. (something we can discuss in future blogs).


I started renting with 5 signs in late 1990 and choose Valentine's Day, 1991 as my roll-out date. I knew I would remember that date and made sure I had some free publicity near Valentine's Day, 1991.


Now in 2009, there are many companies offering diversified options; including large 4-7 ft. signs, banners, A-Frames with messages, yards full of smaller flamingos, buzzards, cows and so many other items referred to as “Props”. This trend has caught on all across the United States and in Canada & the industry is growing.

Most of the companies offer their Rental Signs or Displays in certain areas as they are delivered either late in the evening or early morning for the “wake-up” surprise for the recipient. This type of social expression gives the consumer options to the more traditional flowers, balloons and candy.

The growing number of companies is a testimonial to the popularity of this type of celebration or special event recognition.

My hope, in future blogs, is to provide helpful information to those either in the business or those thinking of starting in this business. I would enjoy this being “interactive” with posts from other companies with ideas, helpful hints, ideas and links that would be helpful.

We will be touching on many other subjects in future blogs.


STAY TUNED!

"Your dreams come true when you act to turn them into realities"

(author unknown)

Marty Miller www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/