Spike's Biztalk posts

Talk about your products here, Bizniks

So yes, about 80 percent of American jobs are service-based. I don't see a lot of Bizniks that have products to promote but occasionally see them around.

I'd like to learn more about the product group representation here, who is buying from you, how the economy looks in your sector and growth potential that you envision in your industry - those types of things.

• Spk

Biggest challenges in your business?

Hello. I am curious to hear from biz owners, what they think are the biggest challenges they have either faced or currently face with their business?

If you went through a sticky situation, a story about that would also be interesting and probably valuable for us all to learn from.

Cheers, Spike

Brokers & Realtors: Apps, Cocktails and Fairmont Tamarack today at 6 in Kirkland

Imagine a four-seasons resort 90 miles north of Boise, set on the shores of coveted Lake Cascade, with seven chairlifts for snow skiing and snowboarding in the backdrop, a world-class golf course, lake-front amenities, restaurants, shops and all the charm of an upscale mountain villiage. Welcome to Fairmont Tamarack, brought to you by Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf.

Fairmont Tamarack - the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest resorts is coming to Kirkland Thursday at 6 p.m. - and now is the time for realtors and brokers to get in on the action, network and find out how to get involved.

Fairmont Tamarack is launching a co-broker program designed to benefit those who attend a cocktail reception with heavy appetizers Thursday (tomorrow) at 6 o'clock in Kirkland at the Brix Wine Cafe.

Hollywood insiders and professional athletes are getting in on the action. So should you!

Brix Wine Cafe, 6 p.m. 9714 NE Juanita Dr Kirkland, WA 98034 Phone: (425) 814-4606

Let's brainstorm a new biz idea!

I just went online to adjust my fantasy football roster for this upcoming weekend and had the thought of brainstorming new business ideas for a fantasy football-related business with the biznik's.

I'm not intending to actually start one myself, but am curious to see what kind of different ideas and angles people can come up with to take a blossoming industry that few have figured out how to profit from and make something great - either a product, service or both.

All ideas are good except please don't come along and throw down the kibosh on what others are discussing.

I'll start: From what I've seen, you have a league-manager subscriber-style database like ESPN your league can subscribe to that eliminates a bulk of the work of managing a league.

Then there is the publishing end - online and print publishing. Most online fantasy information is free these days.

So how to dip into the pockets of a massive group of sports fanatics?

My instinct is to not compete with ESPN. The only other angle I can think of would go something like this:

1. Hold pre-draft seminar at select locations. Sign up attendees for season-long premium package to include daily/ weekly members-only blog updates sent to their e-mail. Cost of premium package would cost maybe $50.

2. Sell pre-draft CD-ROM/DVD, designed to target new and emerging fantasy football participants looking to gain an edge and better understand the fundamentals while boning up on in-depth draft advice.

I'd like to hear what you think about these ideas and some of your own.

Cheers, Spike

Does sex still sell?

I'd like to see how different people have experienced this in their field of expertise.

Some questions to think about: What is the media portrayal in your industry in regard to sex? Does this match the attitudes of your customers? What's the sexiest thing you've seen lately that comes to mind?

Biggest turnoffs?

When you're out there networking and meeting with clients, what are some of your biggest turnoffs? Maybe this is something we can all learn from. I'll start.

For me, poor grammar and spelling sends up a red flag immediately. For those in need, I reccommend Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr.

If I notice that a client struggles with spelling and grammer, I have to find ways to make sure MarComm messaging is on target and accurate every time it goes out. If a potential employee or partner doesn't have the skills, I won't take it on.

SPIKE Marketing & Promotions says hi!

Good to be here and join up with the great conversations I have been pouring over.

Easy registration and navigation - I didn't even have to pull any hair out - in theory of course!

Cheers, Spike