Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with family and friends and share memories. As with many families, we always have each person at the table, including children, say something for which they are thankful.
An excellent website having to do with the origin of Thanksgiving, traditions, recipes, stories & jokes is www.thanksgiving-day.org/ Great website! For the Thanksgiving story visit http://www.2020tech.com/thanks/
I would like to do a little "Turkey Talk" regarding turkey preparation. Although this has nothing to do with the Yard Card-Lawn Display Industry--cooking is another passion of mine. Proper cooking of a turkey is imperative if you do not wish to spend the evening or the next day in the ER with food poisoning.
1. Cook a fresh turkey within 3 days.
2. Thaw a turkey in a refrigerator or for quicker thawing use a chest cooler with ice or frozen cold packs. (It should be started in the fridge about 4 days ahead of the day you wish to cook it and spend no more than 2 days in a COLD cooler.)
3. Do NOT thaw a turkey at room temp as bacteria will grow.
4. If you stuff your turkey, place an unpeeled apple in the opening rather than sewing it closed. The dressing will pick up a nice apple flavor and the apple will absorb extra grease. (APPLE NOT EDIBLE--altho' it WILL lookl like a baked apple, after removing from turkey)
5. I rub the turkey with mayonaise and salt and pepper it. After putting in a roasting pan, I tent the turkey with aluminum foil and place it in a 425 degree oven for 1/2-1 hr., depending on size of turkey. I then turn it down to 325 degrees for the duration.
6. I remove the foil about 1-2 hrs. before I think it is done. It will brown the skin.
7. DO NOT overcook or undercook a turkey. If it does not have a pop-up timer or meat thermometer, move the turkey leg back & forth to see if it is a little loose.
Then cut into the breast mid turkey--you do not want to see pink meat.
"We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving." author unknown
Have a good Thankful Holiday! Marty Miller
For those looking for yard cards or lawn displays for special occasions during the Holidays please find companies listed at www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
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/
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/
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Marketing and Advertisng you Fall Business
ADVERTISING and MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS
Advertising and Marketing are two different ways of promoting your business.
Advertising is things like print media: Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, telephone book or promotionals. Donating a Sign or Display for a large event can be both advertising & marketing particularly if you are present at the event "marketing" your product or services.
Marketing is usually where YOU are physically present like: LEADS Groups, Chamber of Commerce groups, Local Business Clubs, School or Church clubs, Business forums & Advisory Boards. (another subject we will address later). The advantage to MARKETING is that you are socializing and selling yourself along with your product/service. People who Market their product or service will do much better in business. People like to do business with someone they know. You will also get support from others who run small businesses if you are in a business group environment.
The INTERNET is now the BEST way of both advertising and marketing, even though you are not physically present. People want the convenience of getting things instantly, so more consumers use the internet, rather than phone books. The best advise is to try different ways of getting your business noticed.
http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile!"
Have a successful FALL and read some of the previous blogs!
Marty Miller
Advertising and Marketing are two different ways of promoting your business.
Advertising is things like print media: Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, telephone book or promotionals. Donating a Sign or Display for a large event can be both advertising & marketing particularly if you are present at the event "marketing" your product or services.
Marketing is usually where YOU are physically present like: LEADS Groups, Chamber of Commerce groups, Local Business Clubs, School or Church clubs, Business forums & Advisory Boards. (another subject we will address later). The advantage to MARKETING is that you are socializing and selling yourself along with your product/service. People who Market their product or service will do much better in business. People like to do business with someone they know. You will also get support from others who run small businesses if you are in a business group environment.
The INTERNET is now the BEST way of both advertising and marketing, even though you are not physically present. People want the convenience of getting things instantly, so more consumers use the internet, rather than phone books. The best advise is to try different ways of getting your business noticed.
http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile!"
Have a successful FALL and read some of the previous blogs!
Marty Miller
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
HALLOWEEN YARD SIGN KIT
HALLOWEEN Yard GHOSTS and MORE
Patterns Include: 23 " GHOST, 23" TOMBSTONE, 15" Ghost Crossing Sign (point to sidewalk), small designs for Bat, Cat, Trick or Treat Bag, Ghost with pumpkin and baby ghost.
FUN and EASY to Make!
Instructions and colored photos of extra sample Ghosts included.
$18--Includes shipping ORDER
Your Kit will be sent within 2 days of order receipt.
Visa and MC are accepted. Questions: call Marty at 303-979-6551 (owner of Lawn Expressions, CO)
Patterns Include: 23 " GHOST, 23" TOMBSTONE, 15" Ghost Crossing Sign (point to sidewalk), small designs for Bat, Cat, Trick or Treat Bag, Ghost with pumpkin and baby ghost.
FUN and EASY to Make!
Instructions and colored photos of extra sample Ghosts included.
$18--Includes shipping ORDER
Your Kit will be sent within 2 days of order receipt.
Visa and MC are accepted. Questions: call Marty at 303-979-6551 (owner of Lawn Expressions, CO)
Monday, September 20, 2010
START A YARD CARD BUSINESS
The Yard Card Business is a great venue. Questions you should think about before starting a this type of business:
* Do I have a large enough vehicle to carry signs or yard display items?
* Am I willing to deliver the signs/displays after dark or early morning?
* Do I want to make signs from a start-up Kit or do I want to use the pre-made or plastic props?
* Do I have artistic ability and would I like to paint signs?
* Do I have a plan to market, network or advertise my business?
* Am I good at speaking to people on the phone?
* Do I have a computer? Email?
* Can I keep good business records?
If you can answer “Yes” to these questions than this may be the business for you.
If you enjoy celebrations this is a great “social expressions” business. If you have a young family, having a business like this helps teach children about responsiblity and advantages of being your own boss. Having a business is a great teacher and motivator for children & they usually love to help. (Depending on your children’s ages you might not want younger ones actually doing the sign painting—you might end of with something you don’t want. (smile).
It is a fun business and a way to make a little extra money.
One of the places to look for a reputable company that is selling start-up Kits or Franchises is Yard Card Start-ups These companies had to apply and be approved by Entrepreneur Magazine. I sell a Start up KIT which is detailed on www.yardcards-business.com/ and is on
Entrepreneur.com website.
" 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." Author unknown
Get your new Business started and be prepared for a Great Spring!
Marty Miller www.lawnexpressions.com/
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Copyrighting your Designs or Artwork
When we spend the time to create our own designs, we want to make sure that they stay our own and are not copied by others. It is important in the Yard Card Business to copyright your designs. I have given some information below, regarding copyright process and laws.
COPYRIGHT LAWS (resource) www.copyright.gov/ The following are exact excerpts from the Copyright Publication. This is a very large document, so I will summarize and you can go to the site for more information. What is Copyright: Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain intellectual works.
How to secure Copyright: The way in which copyright is secured is frequently misunderstood. No publication or registration or other action in the Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created. The use of copyright notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with the Copyright Office.
Form of notice for Visually Perceptible Copies
The notice for visually perceptible copies should contain the following three elements:
1. The symbol for copyright (the letter C in a circle), or the word "Copyright", or the abbreviation "Copr"
2. The year of first publication of the work. (there is more description here about different types of materials in the publication)
3. The name of the owner of copyright in the work or an abbreviation by which the name can be recognized, or generally known alternative designation of the owner. (company name)
SO here is what I do: *Each pencil design that I make is dated. *When the design is made into a sign, I date the sign with the same month/year as the original design. With the copyright symbol on the FRONT of the sign so that it is large enough to see.*I take a dated photo of the sign and attach it to the original design. With the above info. displayed you have exclusive rights to the designs & may take legal action if your designs are copied in any form.
If you have comments regarding "copyright" of your materials, please be sure to comment.
JOIN THE YARD CARD DIRECTORY for GREAT VISABILITY!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude" author unknown
COPYRIGHT LAWS (resource) www.copyright.gov/ The following are exact excerpts from the Copyright Publication. This is a very large document, so I will summarize and you can go to the site for more information. What is Copyright: Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain intellectual works.
How to secure Copyright: The way in which copyright is secured is frequently misunderstood. No publication or registration or other action in the Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created. The use of copyright notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with the Copyright Office.
Form of notice for Visually Perceptible Copies
The notice for visually perceptible copies should contain the following three elements:
1. The symbol for copyright (the letter C in a circle), or the word "Copyright", or the abbreviation "Copr"
2. The year of first publication of the work. (there is more description here about different types of materials in the publication)
3. The name of the owner of copyright in the work or an abbreviation by which the name can be recognized, or generally known alternative designation of the owner. (company name)
SO here is what I do: *Each pencil design that I make is dated. *When the design is made into a sign, I date the sign with the same month/year as the original design. With the copyright symbol on the FRONT of the sign so that it is large enough to see.*I take a dated photo of the sign and attach it to the original design. With the above info. displayed you have exclusive rights to the designs & may take legal action if your designs are copied in any form.
If you have comments regarding "copyright" of your materials, please be sure to comment.
JOIN THE YARD CARD DIRECTORY for GREAT VISABILITY!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude" author unknown
Friday, August 6, 2010
ETIQUETTE in responding to EMAILS and PHONE CALLS
ANSWERING EMAILS & PHONE CALLS, PROMPTLY
Not geting 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 this 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 "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 other companies and customers in a timely manner.
Since so much is done via email or mobile devices, we sometimes do not realize the value of a personal phone call.
From "Business Quotes" "Anyone who thinks the customer isn't important should try doing without them"
Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Not geting 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 this 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 "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 other companies and customers in a timely manner.
Since so much is done via email or mobile devices, we sometimes do not realize the value of a personal phone call.
From "Business Quotes" "Anyone who thinks the customer isn't important should try doing without them"
Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
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