Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!

Texting For Pretzels

This holiday season Auntie Anne's Pretzels is using a text messaging campaign to entice hungry holiday shoppers. Potential customers can text “PRETZEL” to 80565 and receive coupons on their phones.

Upon receiving the text message, Auntie Anne’s sends back an automated response asking consumers to reply with a defined keyword and e-mail address. A downloadable coupon link will then be generated for users who can also share the offers with others.

For me, the jury is still out on text messaging campaigns. I'm not too crazy about the idea of someone texting me promotions, even if it is for a free pretzel. How about you? Would you welcome text messaging solicitations? Am I being too rigid? Feel free to comment below.

The price of freedom is high. We can't afford to forget those willing to pay it. Happy Veteran's Day!

I look this photo in May at Arlington National Cemetery. It was so moving to see the pride, respect and honor this soldier had for our fallen veterans. As you can tell from the photo, the soldier methodically placed his boot at the center of each tombstone so every flag was strategically positioned giving uniform to the hills of the cemetery. Something I will never forget!

Throughout our Nation’s history, America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguard men and women have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom, to come to the aid our friends and allies, and to turn back attackers.

We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the more than 650,000 American service members who died in battle or the 1.4 million who were wounded. We can, however, recognize and thank the 25 million veterans still living today.

It is a privilege to say “thank you” to all American veterans, to let them know they are appreciated for their service, and they are honored for their sacrifices.

Trick or Treat For UNICEF This Weekend

Make Halloween Count

For almost 60 years, children across the country have been ringing doorbells on Halloween collecting money for UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund). Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s signature campaign that raises money to help UNICEF provide nutrition, immunization, sanitation, access to clean water and proper education for children in over 150 countries. Since its inception, children have collected over $144 million to help change lives! Read more.

Is It Too Soon?

Last night I was relaxing and watching some mindless TV. During many of the commercial breaks I saw Christmas commercials. You know snow, the twinkling lights and the subtle holiday music. I couldn't believe my eyes. October isn't even over yet. Heck, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown isn't even supposed to air until tonight (ABC 8p).

I love the holiday season, but I'm not quite ready. Charlie Brown's little sis, Sally couldn't have said it better, "Tricks or Treats only comes once a year. You owe me restitution." There should be some law that says the holiday season cannot be advertised until Halloween is over. Right now I want to be spooked not merry and bright.

What do you think? Too soon to start holiday commercials? Have you seen any yet? Feel free to comment below.

Happy July 4th Holiday Weekend!

Taking a long-weekend to enjoy family, friends and fireworks.

Here's hoping you are doing the same!

Have a wonderful 4th of July holiday!

Ways to Have a Charitable Valentine's Day

Give a gift that is truly from the heart.  Charities all over are feeling the economic pinch so why not help ease their burden this Valentine's Day. Here are some ways you can share a little piece of your heart with those who will truly love you for it:

1. The holiday of love sparks thousands of wedding proposals.  Getting married?   Why not register through the I Do Foundation.
2. Not engaged?  You can still get engaged in your community.  Columbus' City budget has been slashed.  That means, rec centers and senior centers are closing.  Why not look into ways to help the children and elderly who will be loosing the places they've come to enjoy.
3. Will you be my Volunteer?  Sign up to volunteer for a non-profit organization.  You can find volunteer needs at Volunteer Match or The Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio needs volunteers for their Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras event.  Details here.
4. Spring Cleaning is just around the corner.  Why not start a little early and donate old clothes to The Salvation Army or Goodwill.
5. Need to buy flowers or a Valentine's gift for your loved one?  Why not shop on-line through Good Shop where the charity of your choice will receive a percentage donation from the sale.
6. Even though the environment is green, show is a little red and love the environment. Start recycling, pick up trash on the street, conserve water and electricity.
7. Give Blood.  There are plenty of blood drives in Columbus Valentine's week.  Find out where here. 
8. We all love our four legged friends.  The Paws to Party event might be sold out, but you can still adopt an animal at the Winter Adopt-A-Thon at the PetSmart Stores on Polaris Parkway and Sawmill Road.

These are just a few ideas to show support and love for non-profits in our community.  Any other ideas?  Send us a comment, we'd love to hear them.

Valentines Day... Everyone's favorite hallmark holiday is coming up!

So, maybe Valentine's Day is one of those manufactured holidays, but don't be a hater.  Bring on the sappiness, spoil your significant other and treat yourself too.  This year you can avoid the crowds of happy couples and v-day suckers and enjoy a chef prepared meal at home.  And if you are really feeling generous, pick up some flowers to add an elegant touch to your take home cuisine.  The Culinary Table has everything you need for the perfect night in.. Call and order yours now, you will be so glad you did when the Valentines panic sets in on February 13.  

Call  488.3714 to order dinner and roses to be picked up at The Culinary Table on February 14, 2009.
Valentines Menu

    * Parmesan Pesto Canapes    * Bleu Boat Salad, Romaine Wedge with Crispy Smoked Bacon, Toasted Walnuts, Crumbled Maytag Bleu Cheese and a Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette.    * Creste Di Gali, moon shaped pasta, with choice of Delicate Lump Crab Meat or Tuscan Grilled Chicken Breast tossed in a Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Blush Sauce    * Olive Oil & Sea Salt Roasted Asparagus    * Mozzarella Basil Foccacia Bread    * Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes with Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice-Cream
Children's meals also available.  Orders required 24 hours in advance of Valentines Day. Dinners available to serve immediately or reheat with our simple instructions.  Please have credit card information or gift certificate ready at time of order)
Dinner is $45 / person.
9 rose arrangement $50.  Other floral gifts available, contact Natural Designs at 614.395.3466.  Please place order by February 5th.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

As the holidays approach and the year comes to an end, we reflect on what we accomplished in 2008. One year ago, we were working for a nationally recognized non-profit organization running a marketing and PR department. We would have never imagined our dream of owning our own business would come true.

Through changes not predicted, we turned our dream into a reality. Over the last six months we have met many people, gained many clients and more importantly many new friends.

Running a business, especially in this economy, can be a scary thing. But we end 2008 with confidence and enter 2009 with hope and promise.

We will be closing our office during the next two weeks to celebrate the holidays with our families and will return after the new year.

Wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas and a new year filled with hope and joy. Thank you for following our posts and believing in our business. We look forward to exciting happenings in 2009!

Colleen and Michele - columbus imPRessions

Top Holiday Ads

When money is tight retailers tug on the heart strings to get consumers into their doors. Emotional branding at its best.  But does this type of brand advertising really work?

It worked for Best Buy this year.  Their employee's sharing heartfelt stories of helping customers find the perfect gift spot moved them up in the ranks from last year.

According to an Ad Age article, of the consumer surveyed only 17.5% felt motivated by the spots to go shopping, 43.5% were not motivated by the spots, and 39% didn't care what the spot was because they already shop at these retailers.

Did you have a favorite holiday commercial?  Did it motivate you to shop at the store?  We'd love to hear your comments.

See the top ten comparison below.

Top Ten Holiday Ads: Consumers rank the retailer they think had the best holiday commercial.
2008 Rank	2007 Rank
Target	Target
Wal-Mart	Wal-Mart
Best Buy	Macy's
Macy's	Best Buy
Kohl's	Sears
Sears	Kohl's
Kmart	Kmart
JC Penney	JC Penney
Old Navy	Publix
Toys R Us	Meijer

Did you Get Your Newsies Paper on Saturday?

Saturday morning, while stopping for a red light on Old 315 at the bottom of Worthington Hills, a man in a white jumpsuit came up to my car window.  Charity Newsies was again selling their special edition newspaper for charity.  I happily rolled down the window to give a donation for my paper.  

It wasn't until later that night that I actually had the opportunity to read the paper.  I was fascinated by the history and story of the organization.  I've lived in Columbus for over 20 years, bought many Charity Newsies papers but never really knew the story behind this 102 year old charity.

What is the story behind Charity Newsies?  

According to the paper, it was a cold day in December 1907 when a young newspaper carrier with ragged clothes was trying to sell papers on the corner of Broad and High.  Inside a restaurant three men came to his aid, taking him inside to warm up. The men then took the papers and sold them saying it was for charity.  They sold every paper and gave the money to the boy so he could buy himself some warm clothes.  From that, an idea was born.  That same year before Christmas 50 business men took to the streets with a special edition paper to sell for charity.  They raised about $700.00 (quite a bit back then) and used 100% to buy clothing for school children in need.

From that day forward and over 100 years later, Charity Newsies still takes it to the streets during the holiday season, every second Saturday in December, to give 100% of the proceeds to buy clothing for Franklin county school children in need.

I was fascinated by the history and very glad I gave, and will continue to give to such a wonderful organization.  Click here to learn more about Charity Newsies.

Hilarious Holiday Commercial - Must See

You have to check this out.  Saatchi & Saatchi created "Beware of the Dog House" commercial and web site for JCPenny.

Visit the site to see the 3+ minute spot (worth it), put someone in the dog house, see who else is in the dog house, and learn how to get out of the dog house.  Hint, it sparkles, is beautiful and women love it!

You can also connect the site through Facebook.

Cleverly done and very entertaining!

Great Holiday Event brings German Village Publicity!

The husband and I were experiencing the early stages of cabin fever yesterday and decided to get out and do something festive.  We ended up going back in time to Germany in the 18oos, where we walked down snowy cobblestone streets with glowing luminaries,  heard Christmas carolers, and stopped into some of the small businesses who offered warm cider, wine and cookies.  Seriously, who knew this kind of merriment still existed?!  Well, it did at the Annual "Village Lights...Shop, Dine & Stroll," which took place in German Village on Sunday December 7th. 

Although reading the cheesy description I just wrote almost made me nauseous, last night it was absolutely perfect.  Getting off the couch, away from the tv & newspaper where all you hear is "economy crisis, layoffs, and bailout plans" was just what we needed.   The recession was actually the perfect reason to attend this free event and spend a few bucks at these independently owned businesses.  So, way to go German Village business community! I know I will be back again soon for dinner, drinks and more shopping.  (And way to go Adam for taking your wife out for a romantic holiday evening.)  

Spirit of Giving at Green Diamond Gallery

With the tough economy charitable giving is down this holiday season.  Yet, our newest client, Green Diamond Gallery, gave over $50,000 to four charities this holiday season.  Benefiting charities include, The Miracle League, Reds Community Fund, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The donation was made possible because of its members.  Through membership and special events a portions of members payments are saved for charitable giving.  Members are a part of the Wright Society and share a fellowship through baseball and philanthropy.  A great way to enjoy your favorite past time and still give back.  Below is a "sneak peak" of the press release that will be distributed to Cincinnati media next week.

Ace Your Face Holiday Portrait

Another fun on-line holiday tool to draw people to a retailer site.

Ace Hardware.  Yes, I would have never thought to visit Ace Hardware but when I came across Ace Your Face, I couldn't resist.  Build your portrait from one of eight different holiday scenes.  Then email your portrait to as many family members and friends you want (or post the link on your blog site).  Smart way for ACE to create brand awareness, increase their unique visitors and possibly get some new on-line customers too.

Check out the columbus imPRessions holiday portrait.  I'm a sucker for these things.

Mail a Holiday Card To the Troops

Thanks to the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes you can send a holiday card to our American service men and women though the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.  Don't have a card.  You can download one for free on the site. 

What a great way to let them know we are thinking of them during the season of giving and we are wishing them well and a safe trip home.  Here's the address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

PO Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

We checked this out with Snopes.com and it's true.  Unlike the Recovering American Solider one - that is false.

Virtual Holiday Card

We sent out our holiday cards yesterday and today.  

Here is our virtual holiday card for all our social networking friends.  

Wishing you a holiday season

filled with vigor, fervor, and long-lasting imPRessions.

Michele Savoldi and Colleen Fischer

columbus imPRessions

Regifting

Regifting - the art of pawning an unwanted gift onto someone else.  Have you ever regifted or receive a present you just knew was someones regift?  Have you ever virtually regifted?  

Because many holiday traditions are becoming viral (check out our Elf Yourself we did a couple weeks back) now is your opportunity.

UPS is using their brand to draw attention and go viral with their UPS Regifter site.  Here you can upload a photo of a gift you'd like to virtually regift or select some items from the UPS gallery.  Email your regift to anyone you'd like.  You can also regift via Facebook.  We added the UPS Regifter registry to our profile and sent a couple regift ourselves.

Regifting has never been so fun, easy and acceptable.