Look in the Mirror!
a commentary by Mary Loncharich Gaskell

What makes life different? What makes you wake up in the morning and want to go to work? Guess what? You! Now it's your turn. Your time, according to Time. Time Magazine picked "you" as the person of the year! Decision, future, hope, and the dreams that come true to make a difference in your life, to you personally, to your family, to your friends, to people you don't even know. Be challenged, every day.

We all want to move forward and to know what we do will someday have an impact on the people we touch, through business and through our personal lives. Which is what advertising offers -- our children, our day to day. So when you look in the mirror and you see yourself as a salesperson, a father, a woman, a buyer, a friend, know what you see is what you can give to life. As Donald Trump said, "never give up" so never lose sight of your goal. And more recently, a second chance for Ms. Universe. But that is the whole reason we are on the planet. With belief in ourselves and in our search to know that we can, we can't until we try and then we can try again. All this means is that we all can make a difference. Look in the mirror and see who you are and what you can do. the power is always within yourself, but not by yourself. Once you know where you want to go and how to get there, do so, with joy. Advertising will make you think twice, yet make you reflect again on your decisions.

Remember, this is all about "you". What you have is what you will give the world, so that when you need direction and support "look in the mirror". Per Rudyard Kipling: "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you...if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you...if you can dream, and not make dreams your master...if you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same...if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you...if you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings nor lose the common touch, yours is the earth and everything that's in it, and which is no more, you'll be a man, my son".

 

Create a moment in time
a commentary by Mary Loncharich Gaskell

The marketing aspects of any business are based on needs. In the process of planning for those goals, here are the basics of what works. When someone who comes into your garden center for the first or hundredth time, they are there because they want to. Give them your knowledge and expertise and that will make a difference as to how many times they will return.

Gardening is creative and personal, yet inspired by the people who direct your thoughts and make it all come to life at the garden center. People are motivated by what makes them happy when they come home. Just remember with your marketing— always create a moment in time. That is what a garden center provides over the years, a flower, a memory, a moment in time. Whether it be a rose, a daisy or just the lovely splash of color around the garden, watching the flowers grow, grow smiles in the hearts of families and especially children.

Challenges face us everyday, never assume, always know, that planning a marketing program will, in every way, set you apart from everyone else. Why? Because it works. With no plan, no purpose, no direction, there is no success.

Consider these principles:

• Know your budget
  
• Know your customer
  
• Target against your competition
  
• Be strong, be creative
  
• Explore new opportunities
  
• Develop relationships
  
• Remember what works
  
• Never give up
  
• Market your product your way
  
• Share your ideas
  
• Invest in your future

Advertising - Revolution and Evolution Commentary

a commentary by Mary Loncharich Gaskell

The changing world of advertising continues to place demands on businesses to know everything possible regarding electronic and print media and the like. It is a daunting task. There are many choices, and how can one know which ones are the best to promote business? In the last twenty years media has changed dramatically. It used to be just the four television networks, 40 cable channels, radio, newspapers and outdoor. Now consider the new revolution - the Internet, interactive television, satellite radio, electronic billboards, cellular news updates, Apple's IPOD, etc. The digital revolution is expanding up to 500 analog channels which gives the viewer amazing choices. It is quite the challenge of the agency to keep within a budget when markets are fragmented. Media is not just a science, it is also an art. When you think about it, some of the most innovative and talked about ideas came from media driven campaigns. Media people are now more than ever being empowered to be creative by working with existing and new mediums. Media is everything, yet nothing, unless you know what to do with it. One thing is sure - the industry is not static. It is constantly evolving. New technologies from satellite to Internet radio, full motion LED displays in subway stations and airports go beyond the usual television cost per point methodology. What works for one client may not work for another. Agencies are always looking for innovative solutions to increase sales. In this dynamic environment of continuously advancing media opportunities, you need a pro to sort through it all. Your advertising future is directly related to how your agency fully understands the technology behind the current and emerging media. The revolution is still in progress and evolving every day. Keep ahead of the trends and know your competition. An agency that works directly with the media on a constant basis creates a win, win situation for the client and the media.

Do you have questions about your current advertising campaign? Do you need direction for introducing a new product or making your business grow?  Send us an email or call today for an appointment--

Mary Loncharich Gaskell

GASKELL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
246 Goose Hill Lane, Suite 103
Guilford, CT 06437
Tel: (203) 458-3284
gaskellmedia@aol.com