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"Economic Development Marketing Letter"
A Blane, Canada Ltd. Publication
Nationally Recognized Experts On Economic Development Marketing and Retention
http://www.blanecanada.com
http://www.synchronist.com
March 2007, Volume: 10, Issue: e/2, ISBN 1527-5175
~~~ "Giving up the illusion... that you can predict the future is a very liberating moment. All you can do is give yourself the capacity to respond... the creation of that capacity is the purpose of strategy." Lord John Browne
~~~ Ideagoras... have yet to reach eBay-like proportions. Companies such as InnoCentive, yet2.com, Nine Sigma, and YourEncore have planted the seeds for a sea change in innovation. These companies are pioneers among thousands of businesses that participate in what are called "ideagoras" -- places where millions of ideas and solutions change hands in something akin to an eBay for innovation. Today's competitive reality is that mature companies can't keep up with the speed of innovation or the demands for growth by relying on internal capabilities alone. Ideagoras provide access to talent without the overhead associated with employment or geographic constraints. http://www.sci-tech-today.com; Ideagora - "A-Marketplace-for-Minds" How can you tap this concept to help existing businesses in your community?
~~~ How Key Performance Indicators Changed the Business Retention Game... Free Webinar 30 years of training... has limited the collective vision of what is possible in business retention. Business retention is not just customer relationship management, saves, expands, assists, and the ever-present problem identification. These are each excellent short-term results. But, what is the long-term potential of a solid existing business strategy? Learn about Key Performance Indicators and how they changed the game. March 27, 1-2 p.m. Central Time, Synchronist Users Only April 3, 1-2 p.m. Central Time, Open Session Free Webinar space is limited. Register by sending Name, Title, Organization, Phone, and organizational e-Mail address to info@blanecanada.com
Free Webinar space is limited. Register by sending Name, Title, Organization, Phone, and organizational e-Mail address to info@blanecanada.com
~~~ Advanced Business Retention: Beyond the Basics, Chicago, IL April 26-27...Sold Out!
~~~ We live in a culture where everyone gathers their current knowledge by sampling. The consequence is the sacrifice of the broader context, a shared context of the current situation. This complicates our ability to relate to one-another and ideas or recommendations advanced. When individuals have different sampling methods there is less shared knowledge to leverage to gain agreement. Our ED Marketing letter is a reflection of this sampling mode and of our own techniques refined over the past 15 years. To benefit our clients, we need to be aware of the center, the trends, and the edges where shifts emerge. How market? How redesign marketing to maximize attractiveness to samplers? How inform leaders? What are your sampling techniques? Source: Michael London, movie producer, Sideways, 2004
~~~ If you really want to understand... find a small opportunity and build it into something without instructions. The key words are "small opportunity" and "without instructions." Leadership isn't just standing in front of a group or leading the charge. More often than not, it is working alone in the backroom trying to make something out of nothing. This is our kind of leadership!
~~~ Congratulations... to Kalamazoo, MI and Southwest Michigan First. They were recognized as one of the Fast50 by Fast Company magazine for their innovative programs in community redevelopment. Well done Ron Kitchens & team! http://www.fastcompany.com/subscr/113/open_18-kalamazoo.html
~~~ Congratulations... John, Jerry, and Ryan... Number 1 "MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) for Economic Strength in 2006 includes Concord, NC" a Synchronist user!
~~~ The power of a mentor... Who is the individual(s) who helped you become the professional you are today? Three individuals played leading roles in my career. Chuck Isely, my boss at the Waukegan Lake County Chamber of Commerce (IL) was the first. Chuck taught me the importance of the fine print. Throughout his Chamber career, Chuck consistently captured opportunities by paying attention to the details. Dick Apland excelled in bringing ideas to life, demonstrating the importance of execution and persistence. He also demonstrated that it was OK to be entrepreneurial and create alternative revenue sources for not-for-profit organizations. Bob Koepke, Professor of Geography at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville and economic development educator, was the role model for my speaking/training/educational work. Furthermore, Bob taught me the career potential of creating a leadership position on your topic. While these relationships were never formal, each shared without asking anything in exchange for which I am eternally grateful and work to pass it on. Share your mentor story. We will pass them along in future issues of ED Marketing Letter. info@blanecanada.com
~~~ Tipping Point laws... 1. The power of context (sensitivity to environmental signals), 2. The stickiness factor (memorable content), and 3. The law of the few (the influence exerted by those who lead). You have everything you need to make a difference in your community. Are you thinking BIG enough? Quote: Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point.
~~~ Pointer etiquette #3... When using a laser pointer during a PowerPoint presentation SLOW, STEADY MOVEMENT is best. Waving, circling, and constant movement is distracting and can become irritating for the audience. Plus, it is a clear indication of lack of control.
Blane, Canada Ltd. 1506 Cadet, Suite 100 Wheaton, IL 60187-7380 ph 630.462.9222 fax 630.462.9210
info@blanecanada.com
