COMING SOON

Blogs are important. I preach that everyday to my clients. Engage your clients, talk with them - not at them. So where has Grumpy been?

There is a lot of behind the scenes work taking place on a new project set to launch on Monday September 12th 2008, which will include a new Blog...

Banks Irk Me

I thought this was a thing of years past - but apparently not. Free Gifts.

1. If it's a gift, it should be free - yes?

2. When choosing a bank, my first thought is not "whoa - a freakin toaster! i'm in!" If you're offering a new car, we'll talk. I jabbed a bank on this blog a few weeks ago for free gifts and I took notice now of Community South banks offering "free gifts" for new accounts. A car wash kit. An umbrella.

Banking is a serious industry. I am trusting you with my money and my personal information, you shouyld be a tad professional. It's not to say that you can't be a little different or have a little fun... but don't sell your product like a flea market. To First Citizens and Bank Greenville, thank you for the great service you have consistantly showed... to Community South - keep your toasters.

Before reading... please register so that I can SPAM you

I hate having to give up my email address to get information. Many websites require you to register before being able to access the ino that you need, for example - the NY Times. Sure it's free... kind of - but how much time do you spend srting through various clumps of email... you're not sure how they got your address but somehow they now want you to buy their stock tips, little blue pills and apply for mortgages.

How about a suggestion? Check out this website. Bugmenot allows you to share user names and passwords letting you bypass giving up your info. They have great sites sch as youtube, NYT, NYP, IMDB and more. There are a bunch of other great resources available on bugmenot.com.

Enjoy!

Strange...

Have you ever woken up more tired than when you went to bed, simply because you had multiple weird dreams? I don't recall all of them, except about the mean bird.

I was sitting at a table at an indoor pool, there were trees - but a cardinal kept trying to attack me. It would hover over me and try to peck at my head. Staying covered with a blanket, it didn't bother me. This went on for quite some time... strange.

Anyone else ever have a really strange dream that was nonsense?

10-4... what's the frequency?

As often as possible, I like to take real life experiences in my life that deal with advertising. So, here's one now:

Over the weekend I saw an infomercial for a new product that would groom dogs nails without clipping and without hurting them. Knowing that my deal pitbull Jake Knots McDonald is not a huge fan of getting his nails clipped I thought this would be a neat thing to get and try. Of course I was too lazy to get up out of bed to write down the info. Now, here it is Monday and I can't remember the name of it, the website... That's bad. I really want to spend my $29.99 on their product, but I can't.

So how much did they spend on that one ad? A good bit is my guess, and I'm sure they got some calls from it. But guarenteed if I were to see that ad one more time they would get a call from me... and I'm sure many other people in my shoes who want to give them osme money.

"I just want to run my ad once and see what happens" says my client. "Save your money until you can run a CAMPAIGN with FREQUENCY" says the grumpy one. Surely, after a poor response from that one ad, said client is soured on advertising and throws their hands up "Advertising doesn't work!"

Maybe you need a marketing firm? A marketing firm that will work with you, no matter how big or small your budget is... or how big or small your project is. A marketing firm whose first question out of the gate is NOT "how big is your budget" but something more along the lines of "where does it hurt". Email me, bo@mustardnrelish.com, and just like the government - we're here to help.

The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street - March 4th 1960

It's surely one of my guilty pleasures. I'm not a sci-fi fan, at all. But I love the Twilight Zone series by Rod Serling. The story lines are a little weird, and some waaayyyy out in left field, but look past that. Each and every episode that Serling wrote was more than imagination and science fiction. The social message in each episode, the story line that teaches very basic morals of society are incredible.

Each July 4th and New Year the sci-fi network puts on a Twilight Zone Marathon, and I try to watch each and every episode, many of them for the twentieth time, but it's amazing no matter how many times I watch them the more I pull from the story line.

It may also help that Rod Serling and I share a birthplace. Rod Serling attended my highschool (of course, many years before I), but the community is very proud of Serling and his accomplishments, and if you think about the era that these episodes ran for the first time - he was way ahead of this time. One word to describe the work of Serling... INCREDIBLE.

A PR Extravaganza

Two months of planning. The hard work of several individuals. Many hours of planning and sweat equity. The result? We raised 3,036 pounds of food! We pulled off Hunger Hurts Greenville with more success than we imagined. We set a goal two months ago of raising 2,000 pounds of food for several organizations in Greenville, and we blew that goal away last night!

From a PR standpoint it was also a huge success. We had a camera crew from WSPA come out to cover the kick-off event on Thursday evening to run in the 10pm and 11pm news. We had Chad Bowen chatting live from the Liquid highway room with News Anchor Amy Wood LIVE while she was on the air. We had WYFF show up with the live truck for an interview with Chad Bowen LIVE from the roof of Liquid Highway for the 11pm news as a "top story". We had a billboard donated by Fairway Outdoor that drove several hundred pounds of food to the event as well as a ton of cooperation from TK and Monnie fromthe Magic 98.9 morning show, including a live appearence from Monnie on Friday Morning. The Greenville news came out to cover the event for the closing ceremony last night and posted over 60 pictures on ther website.

Never ever underestimate the power of PR, period.

WHERE'S GRUMPY?

The blog has been a little silent lately eh? It's in the works to move the blog to a new location, with a fun new look and more interactive features. Also, stand by for a big announcement next week!

A few thoughts I am pondering right now...

I'm getting more and more intrigues with this new social media thing. For example, today I recieved a Twitter from Amy Wood from WSPA and CW News at 10. I tuned in to the CW News at 10 and found out about a chat program in which Amy is chatting in the news room while at the news desk doing the news. So in the course of the day, I was exposed to Twitter, Blogging and the chat room which resulted in me tuning into the CW Newscast for the first time.

Stick with me here... are you grasping this? The world is changing. Quickly. I'll post more complete thoughts on this tomorrow, I just had to share this overhwhelming feeling of CHANGE!

In the words of Buffett... Come Monday.

Here it is, byt the time you're reading this it's Monday morning! The beginning of a new week and many new things here at the office. Planning continues on the "plan". Curious yet? Stay tuned, I'll be letting the cat out of the bag soon.

A quick note for my clients: Our new intern starts this morning! Katue McCuen, a 2008 graduate of Wade Hampton HS and incoming USC Freshman starts today at 9! Why are interns great, especially in a marketing firm? They are unjaded. Their young unknowing skulls full of mush are oh so full of ideas and optimism. I'll be putting her on a few projects over the next few weeks, and if you have any creative ideas you want to execute or events coming up that you need assistance in planning that would be right up her alley! She's been working already on the Hunger Hurts Greenville promotion, and has done a great job so far!

No matter how great (or how not great) an intern is, I have always learned alot, and in many cases probably learned more from them than they have learned from me.

Results?

I've been asked several times for an update on my weight loss progress, so if you really care - here you go! As of this morning I've lost a total of 14 pounds, with only 12 pounds to go to reach my goal of 180 by September 1st. If I can keep up this kind of progress I should be able to make it! Thanks to everyone for the tips and encouragement!

A quick recap...

It's getting to be a regular habit of making excuses for the lack of blogposts. The past week has been BUSY!
- Monday was craziness! There are so many projects going on, juggling vendors and quotes, proofs and estimates. One by one everything is getting done! In a clients mind (and many times in mine) it should be a 5 minute process of getting a quote. We work with creative vendors who are constantly seeking ne and better ways of doing things and sometimes take a day or two to get an estimate done to find the best and most cost effective way to complete a project. And even then I sometimes send it back to the drawing board to find a way to do it even better and sometimes even cheaper!
- Tuesday... I'd prefer to forget. I apparently picked up a 24 hour bug from somwhere. Not pleasent. I missed all of the action on one of my most favorite days of the year... ELECTION DAY! I was able to make it out of the house long enough to vote. And congrats to Greenville City Councilwoman Chandra Dillard on her win! She'll be heading to the State House in Columbia to give much needed FRESH representation to those of us in District 23. Congrats also to Greenville Mayor Pro-Tem Lillian Brock Flemming. She'll be in the runoff with Ralh Anderson in a few weeks.
- Today... Wednesday. Long drive down to Columbia to deliver some direct mail pieces for a client. A brief meeting with the Relish half of Mustard N Relish and here I am, back in G Vegas. Maybe we'll get some rain? I ran into plenty on the way up 26 and 385 from Columbia, but my yard didn't get that lucky. Any contributions to my monthly water bill would be greatly appreciated.

Coming soon... a big announcement. Exciting, very exciting!

James Ray trip

It's no "secret" that I took a road trip with some friends yesterday to see James Ray in Charlotte. "What did you think?" That was the first question I was asked when we got back in the car for the trip back to Greenville.

It was inspiring. He's a great speaker, he knows how to motivate, but I wasn't inspired to write him a check for 2k. Rather than being philisophical and writing a 3 page review I'll give you my short version.

Go see James Ray. Leave your credit cards and checks at home. Go and hear what he has to say. Take it with a grain of salt. Digest everything and make it your own based on your beliefs and value system. And then take what you learned agt the free event, write a check for 2k ands invest in your business or yourself. Spend 2k on marketing your business, spend 2k and pay off your car... invest in yourself, not in James Ray.

THE END IS NEAR!

Or so the media would have you believe. I've been out meeting with clients all day today, and they seem to tell a different story than what the media portrays. "Sure business is down a little, but it's nothing that will put us under." Forgo the purchase of the new Mercedes, stash a little extra green away for the rainy day and you'll weather the storm.

I have one client who is opening two new locations in the next 90 days with more to come, and another client opening 3 new hotels within the next year along with some new restaurants. They see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not the train coming at them. Keep talking Brian Williams, but the folks in Greenville SC aren't listening. The one sided local stories on WYFF can keep airing, but Greenville isn't buying it. If you're ever starting to buy the schlock that the media is feeding us take a stroll down Main St in Greenville... I'll even give you the numbers for my clients and let them give you a pep talk!

Never look back...

The first lesson that a business owner must learn is to make a decision and NEVER LOOK BACK! I work with so many first time business owners who are in the infancy stages of their business, much of their time is spent second guessing small insignificant decisions they must make. "Should the logo be red or blue?" They first choose red, and then iut's back and forth for a significant amount of time... time that could have been spent on profitable projects or pressing forward with other decisions. The best advice that I can give a new business owner is to spend some time on the question at hand, but once the decision is made, don't look back. You'll lose your place in the race and get behind... losing time that can never be recovered.

I found myself in that same situation last week. I had an opportunity of a lifetime to work for a great group of radio stations in the Cayman Islands... but I'm still here. After almost a week of back and forth... should I go, should I stay... I decided that Greenville is where I should be. A few times I've thought.... what if. I need to take my own advice and realize that I spent a lot of time on this decision and looking back will only waste precious time right now that I can be spending on the projects at hand today.

A major factor of my decision is my wonderful clients and friends that I have made during my short time here in Greenville. Friendships are one thing that cannot be replaced. Will I ever regret my decision? Only if I look back.

The forgotten blog...

The abandoned blog... grumpadman... alive? YES! It's been a busy few weeks around the office. You would think that the holidays would have given me some extra time to catch up, but of course not!

I've been doing some soul searching the past few weeks. What is Mustard N Relish? What do our clients need us to be? How can we better serve you? How do you want your agency relationship to be structured?

That's a whole lot of thinking! Many questions, with hopefully many answers to come. I've spent way too many hours on google looking up other agencies across the US and back in the UK where many "virtual agencies" seem to be popping up, and giving the big boys a run for their money! One really unique agency that stuck out in my head was Big Al's Creative Emporium. I'm loving that site and the concept!

I plan on being back on here on a regular basis and providing some great new content and research... and stand by. Hurrican Season is here and I feel something big brewing. No details right now... as there aren't many to provide. But buckle up and get ready for the ride over the next few months!

Who is this strange man? His name is "Big Wally". He was one of my mentors and program directors at WYOS when I was working there in NY. The picture on the right shows BIG Wally at 322 pounds. The picture on the left shows NOT so big Wally after one year of working his butt off (literally). I share these with you because it proves that anything can be done with some hard work. I always refer back to my elementary school art teacher Anne Griner and a poster she had above her desk...

"CAN'T NEVER DID A THING".

As I continue on my weight loss journey, I find that to be true. I've tried before and failed miserably because I was trying too hard. To date, since I started four weeks ago I am now down a total of 12 pounds. My 12 pounds pales in comparison to Not so Big Wally's feat over shedding over 150 pounds in a year. Every is asking "how are you doing it" and "what diet are you on"?!? I'm not on any diet, it's a lifestyle change. I've cut out soda and junk food. No more popcorn laying in bed at 10pm watching britcoms, no more McDonald's on the way home at 10pm, no more soda for breakfast lunch dinner and snacks in between. I'll admit, I've had a few chicken wings, a burger here and there and popped a soda top or two.

Do me a favour and take a few moments to look at the pictures above. Bookmark this page and this post and whenever you're facing a challenge you think can't be overcome... remember Not So Big Wally. Winning is never easy, but oh how much character you can build on the journey!

Remember tomorrow - Friday - will be our Question of the Week. Please make sure to get your submissions in before 7pm today! I'll be pulling out some more prizes from the Prize Hoopty for the owner of the letter that I choose!

Rest... kind of

For a few hours yesterday I actually got to REST! I layed on the couch with the fan on and some Jimmy Buffett. I must admit, I did have the laptop and I was doing some work... but it was kind of relaxing! Kudos to Chad at Metamorphasis Church for an awesome message yesterday. I'm a history nut and the lesson on other religions relating to Christianity was pretty interesting!

A quick note for those who don't have a blog yet... I'm looking for some guest bloggers to submit stuff every once in awhile. While I'm sure reading about my parked rear on a couch for a few hours may be a great start to your day, there are many interesting folks who read this and have some neat stuff to say. Email me if you're interested in taking over every one in awhile! bo@mustardnrelish.com

QOTW Third Edition, plus a mixed bag Friday

A few different topics to cover this morning including KUDOS to the Myrtle Beach CVB and remembering a great man who is no longer with us. First, the QOTE:

This weeks question comes from ANONYMOUS. Actually, I know who it is, they just asked to not have their name or company name used.
Q: How long should you run the same ad for?
A: I wish there was a magic answer, a firm figure to apply to this question. One thing that I always tell my clients is that by the time that they are sick of hearing it, the public is just starting to get your information digested. Think of it this way, before the ad actually airs you've heard it a few times already. Once when your agency or media rep has presented it to you. Then when you get a copy on CD, DVD or via email you play it a few times to pick it apart, you'll play it for your employees and family. Let's face it, before it even gets on the air you're sick of it! How long you run it depends on how much media you are buying. The magic number in media is THREE. Your prospect needs to hear your messages three times before they are either going to act on it or disregard it. When making your media buy your media rep or agency contact should share with you the "frequency" in the schedule. If it's not a three, don't waste your money!

Hopefully that helps a little bit! Remember if I choose your QOTW you'll get showered with fun prizes from the PRIZE HOOPTY! You can email them to me at bo@mustardnrelish.com

MYRTLE BEACH CVB story:
I've been working on a few guerilla marketing project for clients, and I must say it's very fun. And better yet for my clients, it's a lot less expensive than traditional media. I read with glee (by the way, I haven't used the word glee in quite sometime... jest if you must) this success story about the Myrtle Beach CVB guerilla marketing campaign. The whole idea of the guerilla marketing campaign is to promote and sell your product or service in an innovate way, and it usually gets under your competitions skin.

The MB CVB has purchased internet ads pointing web traffic to websites touting Myrtle Beach as the best vacation destitination. The ads appear when folsk search for Virginia vacation info. "In my mind, it's unprofessional," said Jim Ricketts, Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau director. "Whether it's unethical or not is certainly open to interpretation." I would bet a better portion of my next paycheck that the only reason that Mr. Ricketts drawers are in a wad is because he didn't think of this first.

"Frankly, my top priorities right now are filling hotel rooms," said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the chamber. "It's pure guerrilla marketing, and some take issue with that. ... Highlighting a few of the many reasons why the Myrtle Beach area is a better vacation than my competition isn't dirty, it's my job." I could not have said that any better myself!

Mr. Rickkets was quoted as saying that Myrtle Beach must be "desperate" for business, but I think the numbers speak for themself: Around 2.75 million tourists a year stay overnight in Virginia Beach. Almost 14 million tourists come to Myrtle Beach each year. Now do you see why I love guerilla marketing? Check out the full story here.

GOODBYE GOOD FRIEND
Anyone who has spent anytime in Columbia SC knows the name Jerry Fowler. A top notch realtor, a great radio personality, a community leader... and a good friend. Jerry and I may not have always agreed on certain issues, but you could always count on Jerry to be there for you, no matter what for. Jerry passed away Thursday after a long battle with cancer. He is a true inspiration in so many ways. You will be missed.

Weekend Roundup

I thought weekends were for rest?!?

Friday night Liquid Highway had the first of many upcoming Wii tournaments, and I think it went pretty well! Decent turnout and no major glitches. 100% of the proceeds from the entry fees went to Tory at Off the Coast Ministries. Each event will benefit a different non-profit organization.

Saturday morning was a time to catch up on some paperwork and cleanup the office a bit, which if you have dropped by within the last week was much needed. Saturday night... FUN FUN FUN! Some of you may know that my brother-in-law and I run Palmetto Party Pro, a mobile DJ business. We were invited to DJ a graduation party in Clemson and it was by far one of the best events we have done. I think it's safe to say that it's a real party if the police show up because of noice complaints. Of course, someone warned me that the police were on their way in so I was sure to cue up "Bad Boys" to play as their welcome / arrival song. They took it well and were apologetic about having to crash the party.

Sunday... finally a day to sleep in a little bit with Mothers Day brunch at the Commerce Club. The food as always was excellent, service left a little be desired. There was a bunch of confusion with tables and reservations, and the service once we got our table wasn't great. Everyone is entitled t mistakes, and it's not a normal occurance. And now, to wrap up the day, here I sit in the B 93.7 studio playing all the hits until 10pm.

Here's to another great week!

Question of the Week - 2

Better late than never! Since it's Friday, we'll do another Question of the Week! This week's question comes from Casey Putnam from Serv-Pro:

How do I convince people to spend a little more money for our services with the guarantee
the job is done right versus them choosing another company that has cheaper rates but
poorer service?

You'll never convince everyone to spend more. There are just some people who want the lowest price, no matter what the outcome is. It's also a matter of sales skill. Are you asking the right questions? "How many rooms do you need cleaned" versus probing a little deeper before you get to the usual sales questions, for example... asking about specific problem areas, specific stains they are concerned about and offering the solutions your team can provide. Example "Ohhh little Muffy had an accident? We've gotten that out plenty of times with _____" no problem at all Mr / Mrs....

The other key to cutting down on price shopping is GET OUT OF THE YELLOW PAGES! How much are you spending per month on the YP? Many of the calls you get form there have called your competitors and will call more looking for the lowest price. If you were to take the amount you spend per month in the YP and direct that towards branding you would see a world of difference. A few years ago we worked with a client that was in your same industry. We took their YP budget and executed a 12 month radio campaign with a consistant branding messages. The number of sales stayed about even, maybe with a small drop but their profit went up. They were getting better qualified leads and better jobs and contracts.