Relationships Sell Products
When is the last time you measured the return on investment of that $300 business card sized ad in the local rag mag? Does anyone measure the return on investment of the $8,000 web site you just developed? What is the ROI on a Tweet? Let me float this out there: If you’re not where the people are, you’ll sell fewer products. Period. If you’re a local restaurant and the local people follow a local weekly news magazine for all their local food news…you better bet your butt you should be in that magazine. If you notice that your customer […]
Wanted: A Good Logo and Branding
Now hiring: Brand designer to develop logo and brand collateral for soon to launch wine business. Eight months ago I launched this blog to network and engage for what would “someday” be a brick and mortar business. I distinctly remember saying, “If I can use Twitter and Facebook to get to a point where 200-300 people know who I am before I start my business, then I’ll be better off than the guy starting from scratch.” Never did I intend for “someday” to come so quickly. As a result, I find myself in a brand crisis needing clarity and direction. […]
Changing the Wine World One Badge at a Time
Can the 100 point system be overthrown? In a recent post, “You Don’t Score Wine? You’re Full of Crap,” we debated the fact that most people, whether through points, grades, stars, glasses, or even the basic like don’t like system, score wines. It is clear that the 100 point system is severely flawed and should be executed, BUT it is also clear that it is firmly in place and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. There are a few factors that contribute to the 100 point dominance: Those who use it continue to hold the most influence. People like Robert […]
A Wine Education with L’Ecole 41
If school were like this, I’d have gotten my doctorates degree! L’Ecole 41, French for “The School” district 41 is more appropriately named, “Je t’aime” for the love that it induces upon first sip. Situated in a schoolhouse built in 1915, L’Ecole teaches a master class in Washington wine class, style and marketing. Until the recent changes to Highway 12 in Walla Walla, every visitor entering Walla Wall from the West drove past the distinct schoolhouse tasting room which beckoned all inside for an enological education. Operated by Megan and Marty Clubb, L’Ecole offers a 27 year lesson plan on […]
Book Review: Back of the Boat Gourmet Cooking
When you think of backyard BBQ by the pool, what typically comes to mind? Burgers, hot dogs and if you’re going gourmet, maybe some chicken, fish or steak. How about if you’re boating all day, what ends up in your cooler? Chances are it is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, some fruit, and maybe a juice box or two. Can you do gourmet cooking on the back of a boat? With a little bit of prep and the book Back of the Boat Gourmet Cooking you can be eating in style with creative, fun and easy to prepare dishes. Why […]