Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Membership has it's privileges?
Membership has its privileges, at least according to the many different reward programs I am a member of. Membership allows for exclusives deals, savings and the opportunity to gain access to things the normal public would not be able to get. Membership in Construction Associations should also provide this as well, right?
As we begin to wind down the 2009 year invoices for renewal are starting to come in from the different associations that I am a member of and instead of blindly renewing like in years in the past I have set down to review the cost and return for each. Two reasons for this is to be financially responsible as we come out of the economic slow down (I still hate to say recession) and also to gage if membership really has it privileges.
Some associations I am a member of are too big. The initial idea or concepts behind them was to allow for networking opportunities and ability to connect with potential customers and clients. Problem is with upwards of almost 3000 people in a room for some of the networking events you might as well be walking through Air Canada handing out your business card in an effort to find a new business partner. Quantity vs. Quality has to be measured.
Being in the world of publishing I am finding the big associations may not be the right market for me to be a member of. The formula and numbers I will be testing for 2010 is as follows:
- How easily can I connect with the Board of Directors to offer coverage of the association and events?
- How large are their networking events? 200 contacts vs. 3000
- Do I or can I offer value to the association?
- How involved can I get with the different committees and events?
I think a good association will do business with it’s members first or at the very least allows all members affiliated with a business opportunity the chance to bid. The worst thing an association can do is go outside of the membership and give business to a non-member. A good association will engage its members with regular surveys, questionnaires or actually call them to get their feedback. These are some of the other traits I will be weighing as I submit the invoices for payment.
What do you think are the qualities of a good association?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Open Forums for Feedback or Attacks of your "Brand"?
Got an interesting error message that my DELL Inspiron 1501 Laptop Battery was nearing the end of its life.
The only great thing about this post is the ease DELL made it for me to go to their site to order a new one. The cost for a replacement battery, $165. Depending on sales of their laptops that is a third of a cost towards the purchase of a new one.
In reviewing their site I found their section which allowed customers to do ratings, the replacement battery feedback was a lowly 1.3 of 5. Even more shocking of the 121 reviews was the fact I could not find any feedback from a DELL employee.
In the service industry I am always open to feedback positive or negative about our products and respond within 24 hours of getting a comment. Our systems are not as elaborate at DELL for Customer Ratings, however if they were I would make sure I monitored them (not sensor them) and provide replies and follow up to help rebuild peoples impressions of our brand.
Now I am left with the choice to do one of the following:
- By a replacement battery from DELL for $165
- Go to a local retailer and get a comparative battery for $105
Or switch to a different brand of laptop.
Based on the Customer Ratings at DELL and the lack of customer and brand management by them I think I will look for a new solution. I wonder if I can get a deal on a MAC?
The only great thing about this post is the ease DELL made it for me to go to their site to order a new one. The cost for a replacement battery, $165. Depending on sales of their laptops that is a third of a cost towards the purchase of a new one.
In reviewing their site I found their section which allowed customers to do ratings, the replacement battery feedback was a lowly 1.3 of 5. Even more shocking of the 121 reviews was the fact I could not find any feedback from a DELL employee.
In the service industry I am always open to feedback positive or negative about our products and respond within 24 hours of getting a comment. Our systems are not as elaborate at DELL for Customer Ratings, however if they were I would make sure I monitored them (not sensor them) and provide replies and follow up to help rebuild peoples impressions of our brand.
Now I am left with the choice to do one of the following:
- By a replacement battery from DELL for $165
- Go to a local retailer and get a comparative battery for $105
Or switch to a different brand of laptop.
Based on the Customer Ratings at DELL and the lack of customer and brand management by them I think I will look for a new solution. I wonder if I can get a deal on a MAC?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Contest
Check out my son's hockey teams entry into the Scotiabank Hockley Tonight Contest.
Winning teams will be featured on the pre-game show, Scotiabank Hockey Tonight, before introducing Canada’s #1 hockey broadcast, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, to millions of hockey fans across the country. Winning teams will be chosen across 14 weeks starting October 19, 2009 (First selected team will be featured on November 7, 2009). Winning teams will be videotaped and photographed announcing Hockey Night in Canada at your local rink to appear on television and on this website and will receive a pizza party hosted by Scotiabank as well as an Official Hockey Night in Canada team towel.
With heart and hustle the St. Catharines Novice Warriors feature an exciting lineup of players who display a willingness to learn, and great determination to succeed.
Each player on the team displays team spirit by attending early morning practices to learn this great game of hockey. As early as we practice there are never any complaints, only smiles and warm greetings and helping each other to get ready. Just before the game players tell jokes as a way to relax and clear their minds.
It is evident based how they carry themselves that they are building their character and self discipline through being part of a team. They wear their team jackets and jerseys with pride knowing that they proudly represent their city. Everywhere they go, you know they are loud and proud to be on this team. It is obvious that the game of hockey and dedicated coaches and parents have made these young players more confident, determined and respectful in their daily life.
It’s hard not to feel proud of a group of young players who already understand the meaning of team and sportsmanship as they tell each other “good game”, “great play” win or lose.
As the coaches of these young players we feel tremendous excitement when they try new things on the ice and succeed. Their eyes light up with a feeling that is hard to explain. We believe the St. Catharines Novice Warriors should be considered for the Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids.
Show your support by visiting the site here: St.Catharines Novice Warriors Team Entry
Winning teams will be featured on the pre-game show, Scotiabank Hockey Tonight, before introducing Canada’s #1 hockey broadcast, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, to millions of hockey fans across the country. Winning teams will be chosen across 14 weeks starting October 19, 2009 (First selected team will be featured on November 7, 2009). Winning teams will be videotaped and photographed announcing Hockey Night in Canada at your local rink to appear on television and on this website and will receive a pizza party hosted by Scotiabank as well as an Official Hockey Night in Canada team towel.
With heart and hustle the St. Catharines Novice Warriors feature an exciting lineup of players who display a willingness to learn, and great determination to succeed.Each player on the team displays team spirit by attending early morning practices to learn this great game of hockey. As early as we practice there are never any complaints, only smiles and warm greetings and helping each other to get ready. Just before the game players tell jokes as a way to relax and clear their minds.
It is evident based how they carry themselves that they are building their character and self discipline through being part of a team. They wear their team jackets and jerseys with pride knowing that they proudly represent their city. Everywhere they go, you know they are loud and proud to be on this team. It is obvious that the game of hockey and dedicated coaches and parents have made these young players more confident, determined and respectful in their daily life.
It’s hard not to feel proud of a group of young players who already understand the meaning of team and sportsmanship as they tell each other “good game”, “great play” win or lose.
As the coaches of these young players we feel tremendous excitement when they try new things on the ice and succeed. Their eyes light up with a feeling that is hard to explain. We believe the St. Catharines Novice Warriors should be considered for the Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids.
Show your support by visiting the site here: St.Catharines Novice Warriors Team Entry
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
$11 Million Arena at Ridley College in St.Catharines
Yesterday I took a trip not to far from home to snap some photos of the progress of the $11 million Arena being Construction by Brouwer Construction at Ridley College, I am looking forward to doing a feature profile on the project once completed. I had my new photographer with me, a fun a time.
My youngest son Noah who is 5, is very much intrigued by taking photos and actually won two awards last Fall at his schools Fall Fair. For Christmas he got a Little Tykes Camera and has been snapping photos like crazy. When I had the chance to go to the site I took him along and let him snap some photos using his camera and as I wrapped up I let him use mine and below are some of the photos he took.
Soon I will have to start giving him photo credit in the paper and next he will want to paid.
My youngest son Noah who is 5, is very much intrigued by taking photos and actually won two awards last Fall at his schools Fall Fair. For Christmas he got a Little Tykes Camera and has been snapping photos like crazy. When I had the chance to go to the site I took him along and let him snap some photos using his camera and as I wrapped up I let him use mine and below are some of the photos he took.
Soon I will have to start giving him photo credit in the paper and next he will want to paid.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Building for the future
Building for the future
A solar-powered house built by students from Californian univerisities is taking part in this year's Solar Decathlon
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