27Nov 2012 by CJ

The key to business longevity is building relationships with customers

Life & Living
I’ve worked in and out of marketing for over a decade now, and if I’ve learned one thing it’s this: slick advertising campaigns are a great way to lure new business, but building a credible, sustainable relationship with consumers is your key to business longevity. Case in point, I recently ordered a few gift cards for relatives out of state, at an eatery near their home. I won’t bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that several weeks went by and my online order was never processed - even though I was given confirmation. Rarely at a loss for words, I complained to the establishment for the gift was somewhat time sensitive in nature. What happened next pretty much astounded me. After going back and forth a…
Read More
25Nov 2012 by CJ

Where has the time gone – life never slows down for anyone

Life & Living
Where has the time gone? Another Thanksgiving is in the history books and I’ll admit I’m a bit of a hypocrite. I’m quick to point out that it’s far too early for Christmas decorations, and yet as I write this post, my own Christmas tree is meticulously decorated and illuminated in my front window. It had to go up at some point, right? Time goes by so very quickly. I feel like not so long ago I was complaining about how hot it was outside, and now the air has turned cold and holiday songs and movies can be seen and heard 24 hours a day. My sister-in-law and her husband live in the mountainous state of Colorado, and just a few short weeks ago they welcomed an adorable little…
Read More
19Nov 2012 by CJ

Seeing others make food donation shows people do still care

Life & Living
Today was the day I dropped off my Thanksgiving food donation at the Center for Food Action (CFA) in Englewood, NJ. As I pulled into the parking lot filled with average cars driven by average people, I found myself truly inspired at the site of so many individuals who still understood what it meant to be compassionate in this world. The food donation seemed to be endless that day. Just when I thought humanity couldn’t care less about their fellow man, here was a small but clear sign of hope. But sadly there are still many people who fail to understand the value of giving back to those less fortunate. Too often we forget there are no guarantees in life. Our reality could change in a moment’s notice without any…
Read More
16Nov 2012 by CJ

When we try to control things we only alienate others

Life & Living
Have you ever found yourself around people who need to control everything? They ask for your opinion and even your assistance, only to turn around and do what they wanted to do all along. Seems like an incredible waste of people’s time, don’t you think? I never really understood where this need to “control” things comes from. Does it stem from personal insecurities or from a need to always prove that you’re better than everyone else? It seems a sad life really – a life void of any connections or collaborations for fear that someone else might upstage or outshine you. Teamwork breeds wonderful ideas. That sharing inspires creativity, passion and enables you to learn something you might not have known before. Remember, “When we try to control, we become…
Read More
14Nov 2012 by CJ

There’s something to be said for a life coach help

Life & Living
I first became acquainted with the term “life coach” back in college when a classmate and I, at the suggestion of our psychology professor, attended a lecture being conducted by such an individual. For those unfamiliar with the term life coach, which is also referred to as a “personal coach”, these professionals often treat relatively healthy people who are simply looking to improve the ways in which they live their lives. Differing greatly from therapy, their focus is on the present moment rather than the future or the past – helping clients improve their careers, health, relationships and self-understanding. As a young twenty-something still finding his place in the world, I was familiar with fitness coaches, dance coaches and even coaches for mastering the SAT’s. But a coach designed to…
Read More