Clowning around...

Biznikers who happen to be in Portland over the next few days have several opportunities to view my alter-ego "Toots Caboose" in action. Going to clown school was a blast and I'm having the time of my life.

Today (06.03), "Toots" and his Character Clown Corps cohorts will be strutting their stuff in the Fred Meyer Junior Rose Parade. Saturday morning is the Key Bank Grand Floral Parade, which will be televised in many parts of the country. On Saturday, "Toots" will be a judge for the costume contest at the Portland Rose Festival Waterfront Village. In a couple weeks, a contingent of the Clown Corps will participate in the Portland Pride Parade as the Stumptown Clowns.

"Toots Caboose" has become a great extension of my Jeff Fisher LogoMotives brand. Both print and broadcast media have reported on the activities of the Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corps - including an appearance at Portland's Union Station for National Train Day. My design business has received some great exposure as well. The train-related connection between LogoMotives and Amtrak Cascades has not gone unnoticed.

Recently, a social media agency in Toronto contacted me - due to my blogging, writing, social network participation and clowning - and asked if I would be interested in test driving a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid for a few a days. I will be blogging, tweeting and posting social network updates about my test drive as I clown around, and speak about social networking at the Healthcare Communicators of Oregon Conference in Springfield OR, over the next few days.

Stepping outside of my comfort zone to become a clown has become a great addition to my business marketing/promotion.

I hope I see some of you along the parade routes this week!

• Toots!

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