A slight problem with on-line credit card authorization, and the next thing you know, I’m talking one-on-one with the co-owner of a $20+ million dollar company, which is coming onboard with Catalogs.com. And he remembers me …

Yes, way back, when we launched Catalogs.com, of course … I was in sales. Let’s face it, as an entrepreneur, I held many titles: Accounting Supervisor, Operations Specialist, Director of Waste Management, Human Resources Director, Chief Cook & Bottle Washer, Marketing Director, Contract Negotiations, Business Development Manager (and it was just 2 of us in the company!)

Now, we really have many of these positions, but when I pitched Jonathan 6 years ago (and as my current Senior Account Executive pointed out to me) I never closed Jonathan. When we spoke yesterday, he remembered me. Was it my charm, my beauty (I doubt it- it was only a telephone call), was it my follow-through? Did he remember me because of my personality?

Who knows, but at the time, Catalogs.com only represented clients that physically have printed, mailable catalogs. In other words, back then; we weren’t flexible, nor meeting the needs of ALL our potential clients. So I said “goodbye” to Jonathan and never got the deal. Now, our website represents over 80% of clients who have print catalogs, but we also service on-line shopping sites as well. Thus, Jonathan is now happy!

Take note entrepreneurs and executives … when potential clients tell you “No thanks, I’m not interested,” the most important lesson you can learn are to find out why.

What service are you specifically looking for?
What product feature is not meeting your expectations?
What was it about the pricing that didn’t make sense?
What other services do you find more valuable that we are not offering?
Is there a better time to join our program?
How could our marketing program change to fit your needs?
What specifically, are you looking for in a marketing program?
Is there anything component of our program that you would like me to explain again?

We waited (and wasted) six years before getting back to Jonathan. We could all learn our lessons from this true story.

Posted by Melody at 09:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some people either get it … or don’t. It infuriates me to see so many Floridians unprepared, who don’t plan, who wait till the last minute, or who say, “What the heck, I’ll just take my chances, and who have young kids to protect” Why? Because those who don’t plan early are lazy, inconsiderate and stupid. Yes, these are very harsh words, but Americans need to wake up and take action … stop relying on the government to provide everything after a hurricane hits.

I was watching the ABC news of Hurricane Ernesto yesterday, and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez said that they received 30,000 calls as of 9 am yesterday, and the most frequent question was “Where will the water distribution facilities be located?” For God sakes, this is BEFORE the storm ever hit! The mayor chuckled and said, “Please make sure you have at least 72 hours of water stored”.

Lets face it; Americans are, for the most part, lazy and constantly shrugging their own responsibilities. They simply don't prepare!

My young daughter summed it up at 3:00 AM this morning when she woke me to ask, “Where is the hurricane.” I told her it never came, that it “dissipated” and was nothing more than a drizzle. Being the brilliant, smart and observant kid that my daughter is, she said, “Mommy, it’s still a good thing that we prepared, just in case.”

My family stores all our hurricane supplies on the inside of a 10 gallon Igloo water cooler that we bought at Target.

We shove first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, cans, emergency radios, etc. We stick it in a closet for 10 months out of the year, and then right before a hurricane, we fill it up in the bathtub with water. We have a few of these. Why waste the money and stand in long lines at the grocery store? This year, we also bought a 3300 watt generator for only $399.00 , and bought an electric skillet, which will allow us to cook, fry, sauté, and warm.

Living in South Florida and being a Hurricane Andrew survivor … I have learned the hard way to plan … and be self-sufficient and not to rely on the government for basic items. I think we all should adhere to this.

Posted by Leslie at 04:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Imagine this … a 16 year old teenage boy, having his entire body slathered in shaving cream, with cheese balls being tossed frantically at him to see which ones will stick … and he’s still “way cool."

Why, because he looked like a million bucks. Sporting his ultra stylish swim trunks, a headband (for boys … the latest trend) and an ankle bracelet.

After the birthday party where he was hired to act as a life guard/helper, he changed into a muscle shirt, shorts and went outside to shoot some baskets.

DrJays has one of the largest selection on designer teenage boys apparel that I have ever seen, and on their website, you can search by designer brand.

I bet anything that with the $$$ he earned helping me with my son's birthday party -- he will go directly online and buy more trendy clothes to impress the girls!

Posted by Leslie at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My hat is off to Delight.com in her most recent blog about “Eclectic + eccentric Brit”

It’s about time that the fashion industry recognizes that woman, alone,
should not feel obligated to keep podiatrist in business. Just once I would like to see men wear 5 inch heals, walk gracefully all day, and by 6:00 pm keep smiling. Then be expected to dance the evening away at some hot night club

I love flat shoes during the day, and Delia’s has amazing designs all at less than $35.00

Posted by Leslie at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Imagine 18 boys lined up in two lines, wearing nothing but their bathing suits. Hands are tied behind their back … and on a card table are two paper plates filled with whipped cream and gummy worms slithering among the white velvety cream. On your mark, get set, GO! The boys see how many gummy worms they can get in their mouth, then devour the whipped cream and spit the gummy worms into a bowl. Whoever has the most gummy worms in the bowl wins!

It’s 12:06 A.M. with my American Express card on the desk, and I am quickly and effeciently shopping for my son’s birthday, getting party favors ordered, and planning all events.

I am determined NOT to fight traffic, parking lots and rude people, nor will I wait in line for even a second.

My son will soon be the proud owner of ZOOB . . . an awesome gift where kids can build a 12 Wheeler Flatbed, Gear Getter, Outback Cruiser, ZOOB Duster, Lunar Rover, Mach 5, Moon Unit Raker, Racer, Speed Runner, Supersonic Stinger, Tri-Sonic Cruiser, ZOOB Buggy, ZOOBster

Another gift I bought was an Eagle Canyon Rail Jigsaw (200 pieces) puzzle and an After the Flood 500 piece Jigsaw puzzle.

I love giving kids puzzles because puzzles are challenging but also allows kids to become totally self-absorbed --without needing “Mommy” to help. The next gift I bought was a Rush Hour traffic jam game. Kids have to figure out how to move cars out of the traffic jam, with 3 different levels of difficulty.

I used some ideas for outdoor kids party games and came up with:

1) Balloon Stomp

2) Jump Rope Relay

3) Hot Potato

4) Water Balloon Toss

5) Pass the Sand:

6) Toss n' Soak:

7) Scavenger Hunt:

8) Crazy Ball

Posted by Leslie at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We received an email from one of our catalog companies which we represent. It was signed, “VP of ENELD (Everything Nobody Else Likes Doing)

I know it’s suppose to be cute, sort of like when I desire to sign my name “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” or “Executive Vice President of Employee Waste” but is this appropriate for his automatic signature within all emails? Especially when it’s a business relationship?
Let me know your thoughts

Posted by Leslie at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Effective communication and management skills, especially as an owner or manager of a company, is one of the most difficult, yet important skills to master. Yada yada yada …

We all have heard the above statements hundreds of times. But how do you REALLY implement these skills? How can a manager internalize this and make it part of his/her busy hectic frantic schedule?

Below are 3 sure fire techniques that will improve your communication and management skills and help make you a more respected and effective manager.

#1: Someone is telling you something. Pause 3 seconds, count in your head 3 seconds, and identify the MAIN point of what they are saying/asking. Repeat the MAIN POINT in your head. If you “hear it wrong” and begin to address that person, you risk going off on a tangent regarding the wrong topic. You end up frustrating the other person. You end up giving the wrong facts to support your answer.

#2: Before giving the person a response to either his/her question or statement, rephrase out loud what you think and confirm the question. If you are not sure, rephrase it and ask “Is this what you are referring to …”

#3: Unless you are 125% certain, preface your answer with words such as, “In my opinion …”, or “I believe . . .” or “I’m not sure but I think…” or “We might try something like …” Phrases such as these soften the recommendation and does not put the other person in defense mode. People hate pushy, know-it-alls and really appreciate helpful advice/suggestions where they feel they have an opportunity to participate in the decision.

Don’t think you’re too busy to learn … Simply Audiobooks provides UNLIMITED audio book rental for only $11.95 per month you can listen in the car or on a plane!

John Gray, who wrote the #1 international bestseller Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, now has an incredible book out on audio, “Mars and Venus in the Workplace” which analyzes the differences in the ways men and women misunderstand and misinterpret each other in the workplace, and offers advice such as:

Increase performance by giving you the tools to improve communication, promote teamwork, and enhance working relationships.

Increase productivity by providing a greater awareness and appreciation of the diverse characteristics within each of us -- and how these differences can positively or negatively affect productivity.

Increase effectiveness by empowering you to overcome frustration and resolve conflict in difficult communication situations.

Increase morale by utilizing interactive techniques that will promote respect and build trust.

Trust me … a great read.

Posted by Leslie at 06:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A baby is born, and the new father is a close friend of my husband’s. My husband decides to buy the baby gift. He searches and searches and decides to custom order through one of our catalogs not 1, but two ***2*** personalized gifts. Normally I would say, “Oh thanks honey, I’m so glad you did this, now I don’t have to be bothered.”

Do you know what he did? He bought a personalized baby book with the name inside it and all the new baby’s siblings . . . and he forgot a sister. We’re talking about a hardcover, bound book where my husband left out a sibling!

I’m mortified. Now what do we do? Do we give them this beautifully bound book and say,”Oops, we forgot one of your kids?”

Only my husband!

Posted by Leslie at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

According to iVillage’s fashion section, leggings are hot fashion trends this fall … especially on the young Hollywood scene. From Madonna wearing leggings under a wrap dress and on Lindsay Lohan with a strapless dress and cowboy boots, Lycra leggings have come a long way.

I’m in the majority, according to About.com, they polled woman to find out if you “Love em” or Hate them” leggings (or tights that is):

61% loved em
38 % hated em

I particularly love the camoflauge leggings for only $16.50 at Alloy I think men (or woman) in army camoflauge is sexy and All American at the same time.

What I absolutely LOVE about leggings is the available prints, mix-n-match designs, and the comfort of NOT wearing those awful panty hose that make contort their bodies as they struggle, pull and pray as the rise above bulging thighs and buttocks.

The greatest benefit … I don’t have to shave everyday. Leggings keep me warm, spice up certain outfits, and look sexy as can be with fishnet leggings.

http://shopimages-ll.alloy.com/images/products/8r8163_mult_main.jpg

Posted by Leslie at 10:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This past Christmas vacation and New Years, we did the big donut (nothing)! I was a bit bummed throughout the entire holiday. Call me a spoiled brat, but I like traveling around X-mass and Hanukah and New Years. It’s all my fault; I kept asking my beloved husband, “What do you want to do?” He never would make up his mind, or was too busy with work to ever give me his undivided attention. On December 22nd, he said, let's plan a vacation. I was too exhausted by then ... all the "good deals" were gone, so we stayed home during Christmas break and did nothing!

This year will be much different. I'm planning a HUGE surprise for my whole family. I booked a cruise without even so much as a discussion with my husband. Yes, a 7 day, exciting, expensive, lavish cruise with the kids on one of the big, new ships. Cruises make great family vacations ... but book now for Christmas break.

Heck, with what I’ve seen this year, and the number of funerals, hospitalizations and horrible news I’ve received from family, friends and people my age, I figure “go for it!” You only live once

My kids have been begging me for 3 years to go on a cruise. My one daughter has a friend who’s gone 5x (she has a very wealthy grandma who spoils her to no end). The ship we booked is brand new, and has every imaginable comfort onboard. I’m betting on the on-board wave machine that allows you to surf (this certainly should win some brownie points with my husband, as he is an avid wind-surfer and surfer). Lot’s of cruise booking agencies can help you sort through all the choices of ship types and destinations, such as I Want a Cruise, or My Cruise Value sites are extremely helpful and knowledgable. And NOW is definetely the time to book a cruise for Christmas and the holiday season.

I plan on buying a miniature model of the ship (you know, about 2” in length) and gift-wrapping it, along with the tickets. As my kids open the gifts, how can my husband refuse THEM as they jump up and down, so excited, and begin to scream, “Oh Mommy, I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise ship? Thank you!”

Posted by Melody at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Customer service takes on a "new" meaning when it comes to executive Lior Sher, President of Nexstep. Lior has perfected "customer service" and taken it one step further than I ever would have believed, if it were not told to me by my ecstatic mother - an amputee.

My Mom is a pain in the butt, sometimes. She is a perfectionist that expects products to be perfect. She expects people to do as they say, She expects product to be shipped on time. She expects if there will be a delay ... to inform her PRIOR to the original delivery date. She expects that when she asks questions, that the world will not sleep until someone has discovered the answer, or better yet, the perfect solution.

My Mom is an amputee, and has been for the past 15 years. She doesn’t like to use her prosthesis any more so relies soley on getting around with crutches. Some women collect shoes, Mom collects crutches. Well, she doesn’t actually collect them; she keeps trying new ones which end up in her closet because “they’re just not right”. I got a call today at my office, my Mom was euphoric. She just received her 9th pair of crutches.

What's different?

After searching stores, catalogs and you name it, she came upon the ZGrutch . She had previously seen an earlier model that was too heavy for her and had contacted the president and CEO of Nextstep Mobility, Lior Sher, to see if there was a lighter model available. Ms. Sher was so extremely helpful and advised Mom that her company was in the process of introducing a new Lite ZCrutch and would keep her updated. And update her she did. She was in constant contact with Mom via email and sent her the first pair of the crutches (after they were inspected for quality assurance, etc.).

Upon receiving the crutches and adjusting them to fit just right, Mom emailed Lior Sher to tell her how delighted she was with them—even the color—maroon-- and to ask some questions. Talk about follow up and customer satisfaction, Ms. Sher immediately called Mom to discuss her questions –which she answered completely. Yes, the hand grips are latex free (as are the underarm pads) and yes, and at a future date, she could order replacement crutch tips, hand grips and underarm pads. Outstanding customer service made one amputee very happy -- my Mom.

Not only is Mom happy, she’s so impressed with the consideration and follow through of Lior Sher. I am too. Not long ago I blogged about customer service and satisfaction. Nextstep Mobility is certainly a shinning example of how to do things right. My congratulations (and thanks) to Ms. Sher!

Posted by Leslie at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)