Creative Marketing Ideas For Hardware Stores

With large nationwide chains that dominate the market, small hardware stores sometimes have a difficult time being competitive. The key is to find a unique selling proposition for your business and to capitalize on it so customers see the value in choosing you over one of the bigger stores. Here are some great ways to make your business stand out.

1. Giveaways-When your store first opens (or even if you're just looking for an extra push), offer small giveaways to your customers with their purchase. These will be tools or products they can use that are branded with your store's information-hammers, tape measures, levels, etc. When a customer is using this product and runs out of something or determines the need to visit a hardware store, they'll see your information and immediately head your way!


2. In-Store Classes-Hardware stores often form a bit of a culture and social atmosphere, so find ways to play this up. One great choice is to sponsor training classes and educational seminars in your store. Work with your vendors to provide information that your customers will find valuable. Even your employees can instruct these classes-anything from minor home renovation products to full-scale remodeling. List the classes you're offering that month above your cash registers with a large, visible vinyl banner which clearly-informs customers of their opportunities to expand their skills.


3. Charity Donations-Offer your products to charity groups and organizations in-town which build or repair homes for the less-fortunate. This is great PR for your business, it makes you look more-credible, and in return you're often able to advertise at the home-site using a banner or yard sign. When customers see that you're giving back to your community, they are more-inclined to shop with you.


4. Ladies Night-Most hardware stores predominantly-market towards men. While the majority of your customers are probably male, don't neglect the ladies. Host a "Ladies Night" at your store that offers your educational classes and even a special discount on purchases made by women. Use removable window clings to give your store a slight feminine touch. There's a huge potential market here that is somewhat-untapped, and with the right approach, female customers can dramatically affect your business.


5. Personal Shoppers-Some customers complain that hardware or home improvement stores are overwhelming. Counter this objection by providing customers with a personal shopping service. Your employees already help customers find products daily anyway, but creating a formal program provides a revenue opportunity. Customers can have one of your employees guide them around the store and help them find exactly what they need for their project, or for even-more convenience, your employee can preselect the products they need so that when the customer arrives, all they have to do is check out.

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Creative Marketing Ideas For Hardware Stores

Creative Marketing Ideas For Hardware Stores

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of car signs and retail signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of window clings, vinyl decals, and vinyl banners for small businesses.

Creative Marketing Ideas For Bookstores

The most-successful bookstores are the ones that encourage customers to spend time in the store. By creating an experience for your customers, you're becoming more than just a store; you're part of your customers' lifestyle. Unique and outside-the-box marketing techniques are the tool for taking your store from just a quick stop to a place to spend the day.

1. Coffee - Books and coffee go hand-in-hand. The smell of freshly-roasting coffee (and baked goods) creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes customers want to curl up in one of your chairs and read a book. Every good bookstore should offer beverages-make sure you have more than just coffee for those who don't like it.


2. Book launch parties - Host a release party for highly-anticipated books. Welcome customers and their families, who will be eager to be among the first people in the area to purchase the new book. Plan activities and games that are related to the subject of the book, and provide refreshments for your customers while they browse through the aisles. Hang vinyl banners up in your store letting customers know when the book will be released so they can mark their calendars for the launch event.


3. College discount programs - College textbooks are a huge market, and a great way to capitalize on them is by offering a discount program for college students. Textbooks are incredibly-expensive, so by showing you're willing to make a little less money on each one, you'll gain a lot of new customers-both students and their parents. Most campuses have their own bookstore, so going through the college probably isn't the best approach, but contact student groups and post vinyl decals in your store that let them know about your program.


4. Readings/signings - Signings are an always-effective tool for increasing traffic in your store. Contact lesser-known authors that have a loyal following, and encourage their readers to bring friends to the store to learn about the book and meet the author. Have book readings to bring in children and their parents. This shows that you support literacy in the community and the parents have an opportunity to shop your products while their kids are listening to the reading.


5. Donation programs - Another great way to show support for the community and boost your PR is to host book donation drives. Offer customers a percentage discount on a new book purchase when they bring you gently-used books, which you can donate to children's shelters, hospitals, etc. Use a banner outside your store, or even yard signs around your book donation parcels to let customers know where and when they can donate.

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Creative Marketing Ideas For Bookstores

Creative Marketing Ideas For Bookstores

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of car signs and retail signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of vinyl decals, vinyl banners, and window clings for small businesses.

Five Dangerous Myths About Prescription Drugs

Every day doctors write prescriptions, many of them for standard ailments in modern American society: diabetes, high blood pressured, elevated cholesterol, and depression. Some of us have multiple doctors, from our primary care physician to orthopedic surgeons, GI specialists, and cardiologists. Americans spend more on healthcare and prescriptions than any other nationality, and some studies say seniors may be taking, on average, as many as 15 different prescriptions.

This sounds like a recipe for disaster. Drugs can interact with each other and even amplify or diminish the effectiveness of each other. Most of the stories we hear about celebrity overdoses list numerous central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which in combination can create a deadly cocktail. In fact, in the last decade prescription opiates have overtaken illegal drugs as a cause for emergency room visits.

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The fastest way to get into trouble with prescription drugs is to simply trust that they are fine as long as the doctor prescribed them. All drugs have side effects, and any drug can be dangerous if taken improperly.

Five Dangerous Myths About Prescription Drugs

Here are five myths about prescription drugs that could get you into trouble.

1. Drugs prescribed by your doctor are always safe

Drugs are drugs. They might be safer than street drugs because you can't control the quality of the latter, but many prescription drugs have a profound impact on the body and/or mind and their power should never be underestimated. Many drugs have later turned ou to be more harmful than helpful, so stay informed about reported side effects or problems with a specific drug you are prescribed.

This myth is the most common rationale for people abusing opiates. They believe they are not real drug addicts because a doctor prescribed them the pills. They will believe this even after resorting to doctor shopping to get more of the prescription than any single doctor could recommend.

2. I can take some of my friend's pain pills and it will be fine

Pills are prescribed for specific people. The doctor should take into consideration what other medications you are taking, any allergies or sensitivities you have, and in the case of opiates, drinking habits. Did you know many opiate painkillers include analgesics such as aspirin? If you are allergic to aspirin, and don't realize a particular pill contains it, you could find yourself in the emergency room.

3. I have no liability if I give my friend my bottle of leftover Vicodin

This is essentially prescribing medication without a medical license. Don't think this can't come back to haunt you. Did you know that you might have liability if that friend then drives after taking your Vicodin? Personal injury attorneys regularly look for opportunities to find deep pockets when a third-party is injured. In Massachusetts and a few other states, doctors who do not advise patients of the side effects of drugs (such as reduced ability to drive a motor vehicle) can be sued by third parties. By handing over your Schedule II narcotics you have essentially become a drug dealer.

4. I can drive after taking a prescription medication

Whether or not you can drive on your prescription medication depends on the side effects. Some drugs reduce your reaction time or may make you dizzy or sluggish. Some drugs will impair you as much as alcohol would. Most doctors will tell you to take a new prescription when you know you won't have to drive a car, so that you are aware of the effects it has on you and can assess if you indeed can drive after taking the drug. Opiates are one class of drugs that have dramatic effects on perceptions and reaction time, and you should not drive after taking them under any circumstance.

5. If my doctors prescribe me multiple medications, it's safe to take them all around the same time

Not necessarily. Let's say your primary care physician prescribes you one medication, your psychiatrist two others, and your orthopedic surgeon yet another. What if a few of these drugs are CNS depressants: an opiate painkiller, an anti-anxiety medication, and a sleeping pill. Taking all three of these around the same time could be dangerous; the higher the dose, the more risk. If you also drink alcohol you may be creating an even more lethal cocktail. CNS depressants do exactly what they say: they depress your central nervous system, which includes control over your respiratory system. Take too much, you stop breathing.

If you hold a deep respect for the powerful impact prescription medications can have on you, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the consequences of uninformed decisions. Some believe the modern world was made possible through the discovery of penicillin because antibiotics meant fewer deaths due to common infections and an overall healthier population. Prescription drugs can save lives. Taken incorrectly or without due consideration, they can also be deadly.

Five Dangerous Myths About Prescription Drugs

Vera Appleyard is an author and VP of Internet Marketing for Elements Behavioral Health. She has an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. She has worked in the addiction treatment field for 10 years and blogs about recovery from addiction at http://addiction-recovery-blog.com and http://www.addictiontreatmentmagazine.com

Creative Marketing Ideas For Shoe Stores

During an economic recession, the retail industry has taken a big hit as customers simply don't have as much discretionary income as they used to. Whether your shoe store is part of a large chain or is just a small independent retailer, you should always be on the lookout for new, interesting marketing ideas that can stimulate business. Here are some great ways to put your best foot forward.

1. In-store events- Customers need to know the benefits of your shoes, be it that they are edgy and fashionable or that they provide a comfortable walking experience. Hosting an in-store event like a fashion show or a teaching session will not only generate buzz and awareness for your store, but also sell a lot of shoes! Have your featured products fully-visible using a vertical banner or even a window cling so customers know which shoes they're going to learn about.


2. Loyalty cards- Most women have a shoe fetish, so create a loyalty program that keeps her coming back for more shoes. This could be a punch card or you could even use a computer-tracking system. After a certain amount of pairs purchased, your customer will receive a free (or at least discounted) pair. Not only do you sell more shoes, but you also retain loyal customers.


3. Shoe care- A great way to make your store more marketable is by offering shoe care services such as shining, stretching, and even minor repair. If you really want to offer a first-class experience, offer complimentary shoe repair services. You probably won't be able to do this in-store, but set-up an agreement with a local shoe hospital or cobbler. Your client will appreciate the VIP treatment, and this ensures they'll visit your store at least twice (once to drop off the shoes and again to pick them up). Odds are they'll find a new pair in at least one of those visits. Display vinyl decals at your cash wraps letting customers know these special services you offer, and make sure your sales team is mentioning it as well.


4. Sponsorship/donation- Sponsoring local events is a great way to build a positive business reputation. In exchange, you're usually able to advertise at these events with a vinyl banner or in the program. Another unique idea is to create a shoe-donation program. Work with charity groups such as the Salvation Army to donate a pair of shoes for every X amount you sell. This is a huge PR boost and makes your business socially-responsible. It has certainly worked for TOMS.


5. Family bundles- If you are a shoe store that caters to all customers (men, women, and children), create a family bundle package. Offer a special discount when customers buy a pair of shoes for every member of the family, or even have a buy one-get one special. You're a one-stop shop for the family, but it may take a special deal for customers to realize that.

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Creative Marketing Ideas For Shoe Stores

Creative Marketing Ideas For Shoe Stores

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of car signs and retail signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of banners, vinyl decals, and window clings for small businesses.

Reaching Out! Community Program Ideas for Healthcare Facilities

Community programming is instrumental to enhancing the services of any activity department. With the implementation of the 2006 revised CMS Activities Guidance to Surveyors, there is a heightened focus on the individual needs and interests of the residents. Involving local communities and volunteers is an essential part of establishing a well-balanced, diverse program of activities. There are many organizations, clubs, and associations that can be contacted. Ask them to post an announcement in their newsletter, bulletins, flyers, or bulletin board, or announce at their next meeting, that community groups and volunteers are needed at your facility. Inform them of your specific needs i.e. you need a volunteer that speaks German that can read to a resident or you would like a volunteer who can do arts and crafts. Other methods of recruitment include word of mouth, media coverage, on-line, family members and visitors, community fairs/events and mailings.

Often times, Activity Directors are given the responsibility of developing and managing the volunteer and community outreach program. It can become overwhelming. Activity Directors often do not pursue volunteers and community groups because of the extensive work that goes into it. There is ongoing research, organization, planning, implementation, and follow-up. For that reason, it is suggested that each facility have a Volunteer Coordinator or someone who is primarily assigned to manage these responsibilities. But since it is not common practice to have a separate Volunteer Coordinator, here are some ideas and suggestions that will help you reach out to the community and expand your volunteer program.

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School System

Reaching Out! Community Program Ideas for Healthcare Facilities

• Pen Pal Programs
• Adopt-A-Resident Program
• Educational Opportunities for the students (students may learn about Ellis Island, WWII, the Depression, etc.)
• Volunteer opportunities (Key Club, course requirements, independent volunteer services)
• Entertainment (school choir, bands, dance groups, drama club, art, poetry, specialty groups)
• Sporting events
• Special education opportunities (volleyball game with DD adolescents)
• Intergenerational Programs (holiday activities, craft projects, physical games, discussion groups)
• Cultural Clubs (Spanish, Italian, African American etc.)
• Day Care children
• College internships/field experience

Churches/Synagogues

• Rosary Groups
• 1:1 Communion (Sundays)
• Adopt-A-Resident Program
• Outreach programs (donations, community services)
• Choirs
• Bible Study
• Church intergenerational programs
• Independent volunteer opportunities
• Confirmation requirements
• Rabbi Visits
• Church Services

Community Groups

• Community public relations opportunities
• Cub/Boy/Eagle Scouts community service (special/holiday events)
• Brownies/Girl Scouts Community Service (special/holiday events)
•Clubs (VFW, Elks, Masons, Kiwanis Club, Eastern Star, 4-H, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Lions, Chambers of Commerce)
• Cultural Clubs (Italian American Independent Club, Hispanic, Polish etc.)
• YMCA/YWCA
• YM-YWHA (Hebrew Association)
• Salvation Army
• Historical Society presentations
• United Way
• Joint community fundraising or community service programs (toy Drives, food drives, raffles, car washes, etc.)
• Local dance groups/troupes
• Senior dancers
• Independent volunteer opportunities
• LTC resident service projects for the above mentioned groups

It is also important to bring the residents into the community as well. Before doing so, establish a well-developed policy and procedure that outlines all aspects of the outing, especially what to do in the case of an emergency or missing resident. Check with the desired site before bringing the residents to ensure appropriate parking, wheelchair accessibility, bathrooms, process, etc. There are so many places that you can bring the residents. Check the local newspapers for community events, special deals, and coupons. Assign a resident or group of residents browse the weekly newspapers.

Some ideas include: community/school sporting events, parks and recreation, community flea markets, festivals, music events, movie theater/plays, local restaurants, historical sites/museums, zoos, visits to other facilities or organizations, churches, synagogues and other places of worship, school events and so on.

Organizing a community outreach program is an ongoing process and requires an abundance of creativity, time and commitment. Utilize as many resources as possible and don't hesitate to ask community groups and individuals to volunteer. By "reaching out" you will greatly enhance the lives of the residents in your healthcare facility.

Reaching Out! Community Program Ideas for Healthcare Facilities

Kimberly Grandal, Founder and Executive Director of Re-Creative Resources, Inc., is a strong advocate for the field of Therapeutic Recreation and Activities, with over eighteen years of experience working with the elderly in numerous management and consultant positions. She is an Activity Consultant Certified and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She is a recipient of the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation 1997 Triumph of the Human Spirit Award.

Kim is a member of NJAPA, NJ/EPA-TRA and COAP and serves on the NJAPA board as the Chairperson for the Legislation Committee. She is the Government Relations liasion for NCCAP and the President Elect for NJ/EPA TR Association. Kim is a speaker for various national, state and local activity associations and other health care groups. She also provides consultation and support to numerous facilities in the state.

Kim is the editor and writer for the "The Rec-Room", a monthly newsletter published by her company. In addition, she writes monthly articles for Activity Directors Today newsletter, and has contributed articles to Creative Forecasting Magazine, Current Activities in Long Term Care Magazine and The Continuing Care Insite newsletter and many other online sources. For more information visit http://recreativeresources.com

Making a Custom Aluminum Dashboard

Are you a proud owner of a Moto Guzzi 'Jackal'? Well, then you are likely to be an envy of many. But if you missed out on the benefits of a tachometer, you might just go by the sound and feel of the engine whether or not it was happy with the revs you are using during changing up or down the box. We can forgive you if you are clueless as to what those revs actually were.

Used motorcycle parts like a tachometer could really be a beneficial thing to improve the general condition of your Moto Guzzi motorcycle. However, new or second-hand Cali EV dash is not that easy to get hold of. Given this difficulty, you could produce a new dashboard for yourself. You could even produce a better dashboard than the original Jackal item.

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Itching to start already? First, you must get a bit of 4mm thick 1050-H14 aluminium (BS 1470), (99.5% pure aluminum, a bit of wet & dry sandpaper, a couple of drills and a counter sinker for the warning light cluster / mounting screw holes. If you decide to do the cutting yourself, you need basic hand tools, drill, hole cutter for 85mm diameter holes, a small band saw few files and a couple of medium / fine flap wheels for finishing off the edges and for doing the brushed satin finish. Water Jet Cutting, Plasma Cutting, Laser Cutting, CNC Milling are several ways of manufacturing the aluminum. You can choose any method feasible for you and that which will create smooth results for your dash..

Making a Custom Aluminum Dashboard

Here are the steps in cutting out your dash from http://www.webbikeworld.com/Moto-Guzzi-motorcycles/dashboard-tachometer/:

1. Mark out the plate, including profile and hole centres

2. Centre-pop all of the hole centres

3. Centre-pop the holes using sharp centre-pop. A light tap should do it.

4. Pilot drill each hole centre using something like a 1/16th drill

5. Cut the 85mm holes

6. Use the trepanner / tank cutter or an 85mm hole saw.

7. Drill the warning light and mounting holes. De-burr.

8. Finish off the warning light holes using a bit of wet & dry for a clean edge to the holes.

For the underside of the dash:

1. Cut out the profile using a hacksaw / bandsaw / plasma cutter

2. Smooth off and finish off the edges

3. Use file, wet & dry, wire wool, flap wheel to remove cutting marks

4. Bend the 'mounting lugs' to the correct angle using the original dash as a pattern

5. To surface finish, hold the drill with both hands and ran the flap wheel down the dash in one smooth, even stroke, starting at one side.

Finish-off by getting some Methylated spirit and de-grease the dash, taking care not to leave any finger marks. Then, spray with a few coats of acrylic lacquer. For fitting and connections, the speedo cable fits fine. The article "Install a rev counter on your motorcycle" at http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_195.shtml may help you with the wiring and the fitting of the dash. You'll find it complicating but once you've finished, you'll be even prouder of having your Moto Guzzi motorcycle with its new dashboard!

Making a Custom Aluminum Dashboard

Lala C. Ballatan is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare of workers for about four years.

Book reading has always been her greatest passion -- mysteries, horrors, psycho-thrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.

Her writing prowess began as early as she was 10 years old in girlish diaries. With writing, she felt freedom – to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns -- imagined and observed, to bear witness.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.motorcyclepartsbin.com

Top Companies Offering Aftermarket Car Warranties

Aftermarket car warranties extend warranty coverage for vehicle repairs after the factory warrant expires. An aftermarket auto warranty is especially important to have when purchasing a car with high mileage. The price of the warranty depends on the age of the vehicle as well as the mileage. But which company offers the best deal? Here are top companies offering aftermarket car warranties.

Stop Repair Bills offers affordable service contracts personalized to fit your needs with flexible payment plans. 24-hour roadside assistance, towing and rental car are part of the package.

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Fidelity Automotive Solutions offers three different plans to help the buyer find the right coverage for their needs and budget.

Top Companies Offering Aftermarket Car Warranties

Warranty Direct, a company with 30 years of experience, provides quality customer service along with benefits such as trip interruption protection.

AA Auto Protection customizes aftermarket car warranties for your budget.

Automotive Protection Group has low monthly premiums and allows the buyer to decide the deductible, along with some of the most affordable rates in the industry.

Carchex offers comparison shopping deals to keep the buyer informed about all of the available options.

Auto Warranty Elite provides nationwide coverage and lockout/lost key assistance.

Auto Warranties.com offers aftermarket car warranties on any year, make or model vehicle regardless of the mileage.

Total Car Warranty is a transferable warranty and provides anytime warranty protection cancellation.

Auto Protection offers aftermarket warranties for sports cars even if the car is not currently covered by the factory warranty.

When buying a used car, be sure to get an aftermarket car warranty. The coverage costs save the buyer up to half as much as a manufacturer's warranty and offer a variety of plans customized to fit each individual customer. Don't be left with a dead or dying car and no way to repair it.

Top Companies Offering Aftermarket Car Warranties

Tim is a web developer, musician and author who writes on subjects such as aftermarket car warranties and automotive extended warranties.