"Branding Your Image"!

 On a recent trip to Seattle, I was exposed me to a really unique taste experience- savory ice cream, who knew! From "Creepy Crawly Critters" to "Turkey Stuffing & Cranberry"- though samples were offered, did I try... nope 😀 Traditional flavors for me, Chocolate and Cinnamon got my attention, but those who tried it said it was amazing. In this diverse country, at this amazing time when we celebrate the blessings we enjoy, maybe a small step outside of our normal pattern would grow our worldview, enable us to understand others better- think I missed a chance to have something unique to discuss with those in line, to find a common joy of new things. I hope that this Thanksgiving, Christmas season brings a wealth of new experiences, even "Prime Rib sherbet!"  Blessings! 

  In 2021 the South Lake Tahoe region was impacted by wildfires, driving into the region is much like our current business environment- some lost areas, isolated, abandoned stands without any life. But areas are green oasis of life, that are still vibrantly standing, offering shelter to animals and birds. Part of what we do as a Company is help business promote themselves, so clients know they are still around and ready to assist.  So the question is, what is representing your current business health, what is setting you apart from those who have gone under?  We'd be honored to assist you stand apart!

Small Things Add-Up  I believe we succeed by how faithful we are 1st in how we handle small things, then we are entrusted with bigger things. There are many stories of those getting the "golden" ring to implode on the rock of fame and fortune. This became clearer when I relooked at my favorite Saturday habit, my cheat day run to BJ's, baked pecan rolls, donuts and more- The owners are special people, running a loyal staff who churn out donuts so good that people will wait in line 40 deep to get their fix. It boggles my mind to get a handle how many donuts they sell to afford to have a comfortable lifestyle (they talk about pounds of dough vs donut count)- Many of us look for that "homerun sale", "BIG DEAL" but steady and consistent equates to success by any measure. Take a moment, grab a donut and reflect on how small things really do add up t bigger things!

 

 There seems to be a lot of debate about the need to "go back to the office"- part of the argument is centered around the synergy of team interaction. Yet many businesses have been successfully navigating the work from home scenario- the biggest challenge is how do we stay connected and not lose key employees, the brain trust, assets that make us successful! NDS can assist making sure you can touch both groups with an online store, these powerful tools can help you keep your team connected, your company brand upfront and help you with employee retention. We have been offering to help you establish your own site, at no charge, during these still challenging times- our offer still stands.  Our goal is to help you be successful... ask us how, we want to help~

 After 25 years in business, each day I am reminded how much I am grateful for the NDS family, our clients and vendors- we have been through much and share an amazing journey. Like so many, I recently realized how much of what I do is in the daily challenge to let GO. The old man wants to hang-on, be in control, but the act of trusting others, to step out (maybe even take time-off) and allow the team to make decisions and set another direction is what has held us through it all. In these challenging times, as I was reflecting the more I let go, the more freeing and fun "work" was.  It is easy in a managerial role to think "the buck stops here" or "unless I decide, it's not happening"- what a mistake, trusting others,, the step of faith in trusting co-workers is a powerful management action, allowing mental well-being, emotional health and overall a better outcome, even opens the door to a more stress-free lifestyle. So I recommend we all stop what we a...

  Just a reminder, promo is still the best method to connect your name/brand to your team or clients- to that end PLEASE take time to start your orders for any 4th quarter needs. Like most industries we are being impacted by shipping congestion, warehouse shortages, staffing issues. Those who order today will have the advantage of lower prices, more to choose from and less stress overall. America's biggest warehouse is running out of room — it's about to get worse (nypost.com)

Part of staying positive is keeping the focus on a better future- to that end NDS is hosting largest promo show in NorCal the Branding Expo! Over 100+ providers, leaders in the industry are exhibiting- great day to focus new ideas, friends and new goals! https://lnkd.in/dazZrnUE

  Making plans to succeed in a post-Covid business environment- while we all wish and want for past years ease of supply and demand, we must adapt to the current cycle dealt us all. The lockdowns in China have all but stopped their major ports from being able to ship products, and when it does open up, the US ports will be again overwhelmed, forcing more delays in getting products to the warehouses- ultimately to our clients. Again, patience, proactive planning and flexibility will be the keys to moving forward and staying relevant to you consumers. When Mikuni began (my fav!), now the largest sushi restaurant chain in NorCal, they couldn't buy fish, so they offered and stayed in business selling veggie rolls :) Relook at what inventory you do have, what you can get and rethink of your own business as a side hustle; be renewed, refocused and refreshed at the challenge to breakout of the rut we have unconsciously fallen into- hungry, want a roll?

  Sifting through a late family members box of goodies I happened upon this really cool desk calendar- before magnetic frig magnets, it immediately calls back a time mirroring our own. We may not have any idea what will be kept of all the stuff we give out or receive, but it is worth asking if what we do handout, "does it stand the test of time, is it worth keeping?" For whatever reason, this moved from being a cheap little thing to something useful, worth having and keeping- it has outlived the recipient, the giver and I suspect the sales rep who sold it. Well worth considering, when you buy your promo products, do they represent your company well, your brand, your signature? Let us help you avoid buying trash and trinkets and find useful, memorable and impactful items that will be worth keeping!

  Feels like we all need something to take the edge off, though we can't hand you a plush animal (but have many available)- accept this virtual bear and take a moment to enjoy a hug. Breathe, refocus on smaller moments of joy, peace and the blessings of the day- in the end we become better coworkers, employers, clients and just people. If a "soft answer turns away wrath," imagine what an act of kindness can do, rippling beyond our vision to make a difference. What can we choose to do today to start the movement- maybe give a hug, a bear, be patient and slow down enough to take-in the moment.

  The "Dog Days of Summer" are soon to end BUT the seemingly unending "shortage economy" is ramping up and is expected to extend into the 1st quarter of 2022. From Taco Bell not having large cups, to McDonald's running out of paper to-go bags... retail consumers are starting to feel what business clients have been experiencing for the last few months. The old Boy Scout motto- "Be Prepared" is more relevant today, be prepared (not saying hoard), review what you think you may need for the holidays, for key home/ auto repairs now- inventory maybe available now that will not be by the 4th quarter. From business holiday gifts to personal items now is the time to ramp-up and not let the opportunity to be in control slip away.

  Oh look a squirrel ... seems so much harder to stay the course and focus on work when there seems so many distractions coming at us... oh a squirrel, wow! From clients juggling too many tasks, to fighting to keep our own businesses alive daily distractions chip away at our time, attention and ultimately our resources. Now is a great time to watch some of the Olympics and learn how single minded, focused athletes overcome challenges that would break most of us and set amazing standards of success. Say no to things that take away from your success, focus on what you will achieve for your self, family and business- and when it happens, cause it will- celebrate the what you have achieved, maybe go watch a squirrel! "Central Park Squirel"   by  Cecil Sanders  is licensed under  CC BY 2.0

  Wow, from sheltered to limited seating- and now to everything is open and most all mask free- Yet I found there are still many needs surrounding us- We have been blessed to survive 2020 as a business, and as I looked at our "covid mountain" of PPE supplies, we moved to actively try to bless others, to that end, NDS has donated all of our cloth and window masks to a local group working with the farming community. In addition we have donated sanitizer, gloves and our Vaccinated pin inventory to a special team of heroes- Dr. K. Carter (not shown), Nancy Bui-Thompson and others who are voluntarily holding vaccine clinics, even going to the homeless where they live, at their own expense. If you have extra supplies, checkout who has needs in your community and share- this is the fastest way to heal, recover and be blessed- better to give than receive.

With temps about to hit the century mark, businesses reopening 100% (with or without permission) and the parks full- this maybe the last time I can use our No Covid logo in a post. Regardless of the contrasting talking points, political views in the streets- BUSINESS is happening, there is pent-up pressures to reignite the economy in a big way but are we as businesses ready to handle the outpouring client needs? I suggest a refresher of company goals, purposes and plans for all associates is in order, a refresher of your industry and how these may actually be some of the best times to be in business.  Shortages of supply creates even more desire, and starts the supply/demand cycle which is better than a glut of product needing to be dumped at a loss.  So with Covid behind us, let's refocus on why we are in business in the 1st place, for us "to provide incredible serve and support, utilizing create solutions to help others (you!) be successful." Let's go, lets find eve...

  It is always easier to work a formula, a systematic method to try and ensure the same result each time- I do find it amazing when this is attempted to "unlock" some new means to successful selling. None of us what to be seen as a "clone," we are and should be engaged as individuals with unique needs and priorities. Much like a jigsaw puzzle, we maybe one of the "wishy washy blues" (as a friend called out the most recent and difficult puzzle we finished)- BUT we are different, sometime we can follow a pattern, a color or statement, but often only the shape, the purpose defines what is will be needed for a perfect match. Much like a doctor, we need to do a better job of diagnosing the needs, how the solution to be offered fits, before we launch a product, service out of a cookie cutter sample bag. In today's business environment a more deliberate and paced interaction will result in longer lasting and better fitting relationships.

Years ago I heard this story- "A king need a driver for his carriage. A contest was arranged to determine who should be selected.  To test the candidates the king selected a road that ran along the side of a high mountain. On one side of the road was a cliff that dropped straight down a thousand feet to a rocky bottom. The first contestant was a driver of extraordinary skill, whipping the horses to an incredible speed. He successfully guided around the twists and turns of the road with the outer wheels a mere 6" inches from the edge of the cliff. The next contestant was also an extremely skilled driver. He mounted his carriage and, like the first, whipped the horses to a blinding speed, he raced along the road with the carriage wheels only an inch away from the edge. The 3rd contestant, decided on a different strategy. He urged the horses into a leisurely gallop & steered them as far away from the edge of the cliff as he could...this was the driver the king selected, ...

I think after yesterdays game the GOAT in pro football has been defined and all discussion ended- As I watched Super Bowl LV, without a dog in the fight, my mind wandered to the fact that I was watching the "game", played by multi-millionaires who probably don't need to work a day longer- The fact that the work effort, the intensity to become masters of their craft, is no different that what we are challenged to do in order to win each day.  T om Brady epitomizes this laser focus, one that raised average players to Champions, that drew the retired, the dissatisfied to the TEAM and helped craft winners.  If we strive to be the best in our trade we can create the same results: attract talent, raise the moral and efforts of others, make a difference helping our clients- BUT are we putting in the time, the efforts to master our craft or just satisfied "getting by" and wishing we could win the big one-  B eing honest maybe the 1st step in this journey, just a though...

My dad worked hard to instill a work ethic in me, one I hope is honoring his legacy this many years later. One of my take-aways that I rephrased is "be faithful in small things, to be trusted in bigger things." So much of business done today misses the attention to detail, the pride in doing a job well- it kind of goes with basic manners, your word your bond, orders confirmed over a handshake and a smile that reveals your true heart. This PPE wild west has brought out some of the shadiest and unscrupulous players possible, people and companies taking advantage of the times- BUT if buyers look harder at the details, the lot numbers, tracking numbers, go to manufacturers websites much of the fakes would be exposed allow those who do it by the book to thrive- Let work to pay more attention and succeed together!