Habitat for Humanity

At our January 20th staff meeting, we heard from Megan Foley, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity's Fitchburg Affiliate. She made a presentation, complete with slides, describing many volunteer opportunities and current projects. Habitat for Humanity seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. At the conclusion of the meeting, Don Capman presented her with a donation from J.D. Associates. [Learn more about Habitat for Humanity]

Boost Your Sales Instantly!

– Kelley Robertson

Most people are constantly on the hunt for a quick fix, an easy way out, or a short cut to close more sales. Here are five suggestions that will help you boost your sales instantly….
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11 Ways to Market Yourself

– Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor

You must have a marketing plan, no matter how big or small your store is, because your competitors—especially the chains—are marketing to your customers. The best use of your marketing money is to hold on to current customers with thank you notes, postcards and newsletters. Those, in turn, will lead your existing customers to tell their friends about you. Then, to attract new customers to your store, match up your demographics with what vehicles you can use to get your message out there. [Get the full story]

Shameless Success with Your Advertising

– Debbie Allen

Keep a Clear Focus
Why do so many businesses lose too much money on their advertising and simply give up? Because their marketing efforts are too business-focused and not customer-focused. Keep a strong focus on your core customer base, and know everything about how they think and act. [Get the full story]

From the President: HELP WANTED

– Don Capman

Imagine the following ad appearing in the Sunday Newspaper in the “Sales Help Wanted” section:

High-end ladies boutique has an immediate opening for a sales associate. The ideal candidate must possess the following characteristics:

• An aversion to work
• An affinity for talking on the cell phone constantly
• A high absentee record at previous jobs
• A strong desire to talk with co-workers rather than customers
• A complete lack of product knowledge
• A strong desire to steal from the owner
• A willingness to report the owner to the Department of Labor

Great benefits, good salary, and employee discounts will be offered to anyone possessing these characteristics. Apply in person at any time that is convenient for you.

Get the picture? Of course you wouldn’t put an ad like that in the newspaper…[Get the full story]