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The biggest weakness of most small businesses is procrastination. Christmas is over 7 weeks away...have you planned any marketing for the season? No? Well it might not be too late to spread some holiday cheer and increase sales in the New Year.
Send you clients and prospects Christmas cards. Everyone likes to receive something in the mail that isn't a bill, and it shows your clients that you are thinking of them.
Pick your top 5 or 10 clients and drop off a small Christmas present. Good ideas are coffee mugs with your company logo on it, poinsettia's for the office, chocolates and treats for their staff.
Have a holiday or end-of-year sale with discounts on your products or services. Promote it with a banner on your website, in all of your newsletters and emails to your clients, on your Facebook and Twitter, and mention it on all of your marketing products until the sales event.
Spread the spirit of giving and increase sales by offering a special gift with purchase. People like to spend if they are getting something for free.
Get into the holiday mood early and start spreading the festive cheer. An early Merry Christmas to everyone! |
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By Amy Hancock
Advice from Jennifer Miles,
State Farm Insurance Agent
Accidents happen and sometimes they can be expensive. Are you prepared for it? When it comes to proper insurance coverage many people assume that because they have bought the policy they are covered completely. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. "Insurance policies can be confusing," shared Jen Miles, a State Farm Insurance Agent in Edmonton. "They are full of legal information. It is very important that you understand it...and that's what your insurance agent is for."
There are instances where people thought they were covered by their insurance policy but, after an accident occurred, they discovered that under certain circumstances they were not. This is more specifically regarding home owner's insurance. "This time of year a lot of people start to think about traveling." Miles continued, "A review of your home owner's policy is a good idea before you leave. Know your responsibilities as a home owner and the conditions of your policy for while you are away from your home." For example, most policies state your home must be checked in on by someone while you are away to be eligible for coverage in the case of frozen pipes causing flooding. Factors like shutting off water to appliances or keeping the heat may not be stated on your policy, but are definitely recommended.
Miles also mentioned that damage caused to your house like flooding because of a cracked foundation will not be covered because that is a maintenance issue and the responsibility of a home owner. However, flooding caused a sewer back up or damage to your home caused by a sudden wind or hail storm would be. "The biggest thing is that you have an insurance agent that will take the time to educate you, advise you, and make sure you understand your policy completely," said Miles. "Someone you can trust."
Whether it comes to home, auto, business, or life insurance; make sure you have regular reviews with your insurance company. Understand exactly what you are covered for and under what circumstances. It is stressful enough when these things happen. You should be able to take some comfort knowing that your insurance policy has your back.
Not sure if it does? Ask Jennifer, she'll know.
www.jmilesinsurance.com |
Winter is Coming
Get Rid of Gutter Guck!
By Amy Hancock
Safety Tips from Seth Glick at Clear Skies Residential Cleaning.
It is the time of year that we start to prepare for the winter ahead. The fallen leaves and guck from the spring and summer will be in your gutters. Seth Glick from Clear Skies Residential Cleaning explains why it is important to clean out your gutters before the temperature drops.
"The water stuck in your gutters will freeze, your gutters can sag and pull away from the house," said Glick. "Then in the spring thaw your gutters will not be working properly and all that water will run down the walls of your house to the foundation, and possibly into the basement."
Cleaning out gutters can be a potentially dangerous job if you are not used to working with a ladder. If you choose to not use a professional service like Clear Skies, and do it yourself, here are some safety tips from the pros. - Always check over your ladder before using it. Don't use a ladder that has been sitting in the yard for years, is twisted or warped, too old, or broken. Make sure it works properly.
- Never clean your gutters by yourself! Always make sure you have another person with you to hold the ladder and spot you while you work.
- Make sure the ladder is placed against the house properly. For every 4 feet of height, the ladder should be 1 foot out from the base of the house. If your ladder is too steep your weight will not be distributed evenly and it will be unstable.
- Your ladder should not be more than 2 or 3 feet above your roof. Too much overhang will cause the ladder to bend in the middle.
- Stick with your gut! Never do anything you are not comfortable with. If you feel unsafe, stop what you are doing to adjust the ladder and re-examine the situation.
"Remember to be safe. You will know what you are comfortable with!" said Glick.
For more information on window and gutter cleaning call Seth Glick at Clear Skies: 780-995-1181.
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Winterizing your Vehicle. |
Tips from Jim Martin of Lubex, Fort Saskatchewan
It won't be long before you find your car buried beneath a foot of snow and ice. Will it start okay?
We live in a land of climatic extremes and our vehicles need just as much preparation for the temperature change as we do! We might not be in the worst of winter just yet, but it's fast approaching. Is your vehicle ready?
Coffee News consulted Jim Martin of Lubex in Fort Saskatchewan. Here are Jim's tips for properly preparing and maintaining your vehicle.
- Make sure your oil is clean and it's been changed recently. Consider the viscosity of your oil, it should be the correct grade for winter. There are many options for consumers, including synthetic oils that ensure smoother starts in cold temperatures.
- Check your antifreeze strength. Make sure it is for -30 to -35.
- Although all-season tires might get you through the winter, actual winter snow tires are a safer choice. They're more pliable in freezing temperatures and grip the icy roads better.
- Check your tire pressure regularly. Colder weather causes deflation. You can find the proper air pressure requirements for your vehicle in the owner's manual or on the door post.
- Have your battery tested. Check there is plenty of voltage and cold cranking amps. Cold cranking amps are the store of power a battery has when it's at full charge and they are used to turn the starter.
"Neglecting your vehicle as we move into winter can lead to it not starting properly, or even worse, breakdowns," added Jim.
So when you're getting behind the wheel on a cold winters morning, be sure your car is going to start and get you to your destination safely! |
By Amy Hancock
Mother's Day gift ideas with tips from Jane Thomas of Healing Connections Wellness Centre
In a search for the perfect gift for Mom this Mother's Day, Coffee News contacted Jane Thomas from Healing Connections Wellness Centre to learn more about giving Mom the "Gift of Wellness". How can you give her something that will bring her happiness in mind, body and soul? First we had to learn about wellness and healing.
"We focus on the body and show people how to become more aware of their own bodies," said Thomas. "If you can consciously 'hang out' in your own body you can basically do a lot of your own healing. "
Thomas went on to explain how modalities such as massage therapy can act as a mirror for you to see (feel) and learn about your own body. A massage can act as an input to help you receive more information about your body.
"The whole point is for each of us to inhabit our bodies, learn about them, and realize we can listen to them and affect change and healing in our bodies," said Thomas.
Healing Connections offers many unique relaxation services. All would make a special Mother's Day gift. They also have retail gifts like organic lotions, incense and aroma therapies as well as special classes and workshops.
"A lovely thing to do for a Mother-Daughter bond would be the Art from the Heart class with Michael Wallace." Thomas continued, "It's basically a fun art class for all levels, even if you don't have any art experience. Everything is supplied you just come to create, listen to music and play!"
"He guides you into creating and leads you to learning about yourself through the art. Exploring different parts of yourself and discovering more about your mother or daughter as well. You will really connect," adds Thomas.
For more information on giving your Mom the "Gift of Wellness" visit Healing Connections Wellness Centre at 10548-115th street. Or visit them online at www.healing-connections.ca.
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