The impact of an appropriate GIFT and the importance of acknowledgement
November 1, 2008
My message this November Newsletter is simple as we head into the Silly Season of consumerism-plastic-charged-Christmas-excess-spending-choices.
DO YOU HAVE TO GIVE A GIFT?
Of course - you are not obliged or have to do ANYTHING. That’s when it comes down to the power of intent - and as a marketing and communications “exercise” - what you do or don’t do can speak VOLUMES.
My opinion is that this end of the year – is a great time to reward and acknowledge your clients, suppliers, supporters, staff and loved ones (friends and family) for the value of what they have contributed to YOUR business and your life over the year. Some people succumb to laziness or “too-busy-to-think-about-it-ness” at this time of the year – and I suggest taking some time OUT to consider the value of giving and appreciation to those important people who support you in your life.
Here are some thoughts for GIVERS:
Thinking about the “why” of giving is just as important as the “what” to give. How do we make our giving choices have impact and meaning - for not only ourselves but to those who receive from us? Do you consider the thoughttand effort ( or not) that has gone into the choice of gift that you’ve received ?
Of course – in these times of economic stress and consumer excess – consideration also HAS to be give to “how much” – to give and to spend. The less we can afford to give – the MORE we have to consider the relevancy of what, who and how we give it.
Here are some thoughts for RECEIVERS:
- Acknowledgement of receipt of a gift – is so VERY important – to the GIVER
- Taking the time to communicate a simple THANK YOU – is ESSENTIAL – don’t forget or get to busy to do this.
So, whatever you decide and choose to do (or not) - if I’ve helped you stop and think about it and consider your options - that’s my gift to you.
OK – I’ll get OFF my soap box now……….
ORDER your 100% Soy Candles with spice and soul NOW in time for Christmas!
September 29, 2008
Zulu Candles for Community is a brand new initiative by Zulu’s Community - offering you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and spicy fragrance of burning candles made out of 100% natural soy wax, and contributing to some very special community innitiatives in the Congo.
Choose from our specially selected range of 100% natural Soy candles scented with Spiced Orange or Cinnamon Spice and give your friends, family and clients a gift that will be appreciated and loved for its beauty, simplicity and supports the principles of good health, sustainable living and giving back to our communities.
WHY SOY CANDLES? -The benefits are CLEAR
Improve your own environment by Saying NO to toxic, chemical and environmentally UNFRIENDLY paraffin wax candles and choosing 100% natural soy -click here to read more about the pros of soy and the cons of paraffin
Proudly supporting Communities in the Congo
Zulu’s Community aims to raise $2000 from the sale of this special range of 100% natural soy candles with $1.50 from every item purchased from the spice and soul range donated to Lucy’s Congo Canoe Challenge 2008, helping communities in the Congo in Africa - find out more
The spice and soul range of 100% natural Soy Candles
Candles will be made to order and are 100% natural and made exclusively for Zulu. Choose from Spiced Orange or Cinnamon spice fragranced candles in three beautiful styles.
Mosaic Candles $28.50 + GST includes $1.50 donation
Comes in Heart Throb Red, Pearl or Clear.
Burns for 38 hours and come in a refillable glass mosaic holder or reuse with a tealight
Can come individually packaged and ready to give
Melt your heart & tea light candle gift pack
$18.50 + GST includes $1.50 donation
6 Tea lights and 5melts in a lovely pack.
Tea lights burn for 6 hours and melts last for ages in your oil burner
Melt your heart and Tea Light takeaway packs
6 melts come in a pretty take away pack $10.00 + GST
9 unscented Tea lights in a pretty take away pack $13.50 + GST
YOUR ORDER - Click here for the order form
EARLY BIRD ORDERS - ORDER BEFORE 15 OCTOBER RECEIVE A ZULU GIFT.
- The earlier you order - the sooner we will make your candles - the faster you can receive them!
- Last orders are to be received by 15TH November 2008
- Your orders will be confirmed back to you and invoiced before we make them.
- The unit price includes a $1.50 donation to charity and will be paid by Zulu Communication to our chosen charity in one lump sum
PICK UP ARRANGEMENTS OR DELIVERY CHARGES
- We will confirm your delivery charges or pick up arrangements according to your order.
- Last delivery date is 5 December 2008
BUSINESS, BULK & CORPORATE ORDERS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL PRICING OPTIONS. CONTACT Sue on 02 98108187 TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS.
YOUR BOOBS - an issue close to my heart in OCTOBER
September 18, 2008
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - if anyone has a right to get on the Breast Cancer band waggon, it’s me.
Every October - I am faced with the issue of Breast Cancer as I remember my dear mother, Lynette - who passed away on 12 October 1993 at the age of 52 after a five-year battle with the disease.
I am considered “High Risk” for breast cancer because of my “significant family history ” with this disease . Two of my mother’s sisters have also had breast cancer, my auntie Marilyn losing her 17-year battle in 2005. Because of this history and having gone through my own breast-related issues/treatment over a period of years, I am monitored annually by the Hereditary Cancer Clinic and am part of the high-risk group the at Prince of Wales Hospital.
KEEP ABREAST OF BREAST CANCER
In particular - Women aged 50-69 should have a mammogram every two years. Just because you are not of this age group does NOT mean that you should not know what to be looking out for! To ALL women (and men too) - particularly young women who may think that Breast Cancer is not a topic they need to think about right now - please take the time to find out a bit more about this disease - that affects 1:8 women in Australia.
FREE INFORMATION POSTERS
Here are some FREE information posters that I produced for Breast Cancer Awareness month in 2007 for my client St George Private Hospital - who I thank for allowing me to use them here at Zulu.
Please do forward this post to your friends.
ALL THE VERY “BREAST” to you this month
Zulu’s championing the cause for natural Soy Candles - the answer is clear
September 14, 2008
This is my story about discovering the benefits of candles made from natural soy.
I was given a beautiful candle at the beginning of the year which I loved! The fragrance was divine - and I loved burning it in my office. Toward the end of the candle - I noticed that the container was getting sooty.
Well take a look at this……..this is how the candle glass ended up! What is the deal with this soot?? PARAFFIN is what! Should we be concerned about burning paraffin candles?
My friend Jill has been making candles made of Soy and she gave me one as a gift recently. I decided to find out more about the differences between paraffin and soy - and here’s what I’m sharing with you today.
Once you read what’s below - you’ll see the benefits of using Soy wax candles are obvious and I for one am a convert!
Why are candles made of Paraffin BAD?
- Most candles are made of paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product that is classified as a petrochemical.
- Paraffin contains 11 different toxins, two of which are KNOWN carcinogens.
- Breathing in the soot released by paraffin is as dangerous as inhaling second-hand smoke.
- Burning paraffin wax emits harmful vabours, and black soot.
- To release fragrances, paraffin must be blended with chemicals.
- If you spill paraffin wax it is extremely difficult to remove from fabric.
Why are candles made from Soy better for your health and environment?
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil- a vegetable. Here are some facts about the candles that Jill makes.
- Candles made from Soy are 100% all natural, biodegradable and completely non-toxic.
- Soy wax burns cleaner and cooler and completely away.
- Soy wax is toxin and carcinogen free.
- Candles made from soy burn up to 50% longer than paraffin-based candles and produce 90% less soot.
- Soy wax burns cooler, which disperses the aroma more quickly. Even when unlit, a soy candle’s fragrance is evident.
- Soy wax is also water soluble and biodegradable, so with some warm soapy water it’s very easy to clean up if there are spillages.
- Using candles made from soy wax supports our farmers.
Which would you rather experience, burning paraffin or lighting Soy candles?
I know it’s fairly cheap to buy pretty candles or bags of tealights for cheap from discount stores - but when I think about what exactly I’m burning into the environment when I burn paraffin wax - it’s usually in an enclosed space and I shudder at the thought of toxifying my environment - regardless of the prettiness or the nice smells!
Stay tuned for Zulu’s next step in the war against paraffin and campaign for candles made from 100% natural soy wax.
Mentoring success - It doesn’t always mean you stick with the business.
August 29, 2008
This is me with my mentoree, Kerrie Rahme.
I was Kerrie’s mentor on the the NSW Women in Business Mentoring Program. Kerrie graduated from the program last Wednesday 27 August- with her fellow mentorees at a special gathering at the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.
Mentoring Kerrie and in her business - Baby Hire Stuff
Kerrie and I commenced the six month mentoring program with the understanding that I would help guide and support her through the journey of being a woman running a new business and coming to terms with the multiple and complex challenges that go with that.
At the end of the program - Kerrie made the decision to stop running her business. Is this a sign of failure or success as a mentor?
Is the objective of successful mentoring to keep a person in business - or to help them realise when its time to step OUT of it or make significant changes?
Here’s what Kerrie has to say about the mentoring process - with me.
I had the great fortune of being matched with Sue Liu of Zulu Communications when I joined the 2008 Women in Business Mentoreeship Program.
I joined the program to help with my short-term baby equipment hire service, Baby Hire Stuff. I was happily going along using what I like to call “the hummingbird approach”. That is, fluttering between enjoyable tasks, following all my bright ideas and ignoring less pleasant tasks for another day. What I desperately needed was a strong rudder to guide my wandering business. Someone to get me to face some facts about my business and confront the hard stuff head-on.
Sue instantly recognised that the little that I had in the way of marketing materials were mismatched and did not communicate the essence of my business to my customers. She mentored me through commissioning a gorgeous logo, getting business cards printed, aligning my website and making sure I came up with a flyer that I could be proud of.
Sue knew when to speed me up and when to slow me down. She got me to focus on how my business was perceived in the market place, and how to manipulate that perception.
After doing the hard work with Sue it came to light that my business was not as viable as I thought it was, nor was it really what I wanted in the longer term. I am now working on another business, Burwood Olympic Park Stays. I can apply what I have learnt with Sue on my new venture. The lessons have been learned and the skills are transferable. The experience has all been so valuable and is getting me to closer each day to business success.
Ever stoic and proactive, it is obvious that she just “gets” marketing. If you don’t get it, or even if you think you do and are wondering why you are not getting results, I recommend you get Sue onboard to get serious about your business and really take it to the next level. Kerrie Rahme
Mentoring is a way to help you make those hard decisions in business.
Knowing what next steps to take in businesses is never easy. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in business 12 months, 2 years or 12 years - the nature of your challenges change - but the challenges themselves will always be there.
Some times - you just need someone who will listen, take stock of your situation and have the experience and confidence to “tell it to you straight” or give you the support or inspiration to take some action.
Zulu Can help YOU
Business Confidante - gets your business heading in the right direction. It’s NOT coaching - Business Confidante is a unique blend of business facilitation, mentoring and consultancy designed to help the decision makers in a business gain clarity, direction and control. Click here for more information
Next Get Real event - Friday 31 October - Come and have lunch with other business owners - GET REAL, be open and honest and discuss your challenges without fear of judgement or criticism. Click here to find out more
Is the pen mightier than the spear?
August 20, 2008
I don’t happen to have a sword in my office - but I do happen to have two authentic Masai spears - a male and female one - that I managed to bring back from my adventures in Africa.
The male spear is WAAAY too big to get in the shot ( ahem…). It’s a good foot taller than me. It currently protects my doorway and has a resident spider living on it ( well - until I picked it up anyway).
The female spear is delicate and intricately carved and is holding up my wall hanging from Tanzania (behind me). Must be a peace spear and not for war being female and all……………………………you must have a look when you come to my office!
ANYWAY - I digress.
Is the PEN mightier than the spear/ sword/sharp-pointy-instrument-designed-to-kill? Well - this blog is not actually about WORDS Vs WAR - it’s about the PEN.
ZULU’s FUNKY PEN
Ok - so sorry if you feel you’ve been a little misled by that introduction - but my point here is that I’ve had these funky pens now for over 6 years. The same style pen in Zulu orange and blue.
Everyone I meet in the realm of business, community and some social - receives a pen with my business card. It’s one of the most effective marketing tools I have and it’s my signature ( ahem again…..) item - part of my brand.
At times - I’ve considered getting something else to replace the Zulu pen - but nothing that I can think of:
- is appropriate, well received, very very useful and appreciated! People don’t expect to receive anything, and it IS my pleasure to be able to give something to everyone that they genuinely like and can use.
- has longevity - is very useful, practical and has a long shelf life
- is easily transportable and giveable - and it’s not too painful to give out en mass - expecially when I’m presenting to groups
- can provide great branding and is an effective marketing device
- is distinctive, cool, funky, striking and memorable
- is GREAT quality for unit price
THE POWER OF THE PEN
Story 1: Executive Impact: A few years ago I had to separately interview individual members of a Board and an Executive team. I introduced myself and gave them my pen - as I do.
I was told later by my client - that at their next combined meeting - as if synchronised - they all reached into their suit pockets and portfolios and out came their Zulu pens. Orange beams around the room! They all looked at eachother , laughed and nodded - they had all been ZULUed!!
Story 2: Pens for Nuns and Priests in Sri Lanka: On one of my post - tsunami relief trips to Trincomalee in Sri Lanka in 2005 I gave out some pens to the nuns and priests I was working with.
For me - it’s not always about trying to promote my business - it’s just that sometimes - it’s just nice to be able to give something that people will like that I have available- so the pen it is. I’ll let the picture speak for itself.
Story 3: Pen pleasure lives on: You don’t know HOW much satisfaction I get when - months or years later, I catch up with someone and they are STILL using my pen. So much of what is produced and given out - ends up in the bin or in a drawer somewhere.
About my pens they say :
- it’s the best pen as it has lasted so long - and they love using it
- it’s hard to lose because it’s bright and chunky. It can be found in their hand/manbag clutter and no-one dares to steal it
- can I have another one.
For me this means:
LOVE the Pen - I remember you - You are TOPS - You’re a great marketer and a funky human being - I must catch up with you or visit your website to find out more about you.
AND THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS: Plan - select and invest better!
STOP wasting money on buying STUFF that’s just STUFF ! Spend a bit more time putting thought and consideration into rationalising your selection and investment spend on promotional items. I promise you, the work you put into planning and selection at this end will pay off with a more consistent brand, relevance and impact for your business.
- It doesn’t have to be flashy and expensive to be effective - just THINK about what you’re choosing for your marketing before investing in it. Every marketing TOOL has a function - what’s the function of this tool?
- If you find something that works well for you - stick with it. It becomes a part of your brand.
- Marketing works in mysterious ways - that may not be abundantly obvious TODAY but will bear fruit down the track - it takes time to build your brand
- If they ever stop making these pens - I’m in trouble!
- I can get these pens for you - but you can’t have my orange.
What has worked well for you in the past with your marketing tools?
Do you need help with selecting and producing your marketing tools? Well……………. here I am - give me a call.
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work
August 17, 2008
Those are wise words from our mate Aristotle.
Case in point - I am SO loving my work at the moment - I KNOW that I’m doing the best job possible and that works well for my confidence and my clients are really happy with the results!
LOVE YOUR CLIENT - LOVE THE WORK:
Obviously this is your nirvana. If you have this" Love your client- love your work" situation going - good on you for finding it! Keep investing in that relationship and striving for perfection!
- If you love your client - you will do ANYTHING to help them - even if it does mean that you MAY not be part of the solution for them at this time. Being PART of the solution also helps work those kinds of issues through and keeps your client knowing that you ARE looking for the best outcome for all parties.
Fortunately for me at the moment - the phrase "LOVE YOUR WORK" has never been truer.
It hasn’t always been the case…………….We’ve all had those time where we’ve liked the work - but not the client or LOVED the client - but hated the tasks. So what DO you do to put the pleasure back into the work??
LOVE YOUR CLIENT - HATE THE WORK:
If you love your client but you’re not enjoying the work - then sure - the results are bound to be affected. Your attitude and approach to the tasks both negative or positive surely impact directly on output and the process of trying to achieve the highest standards in your work.
- If your client loves you and values your work - and knows that the role or task is not the best for you - ideally you CAN work through it and find a solution that suits you both - whether it’s modifying the task or finding another way to achieve it.
- Chances are your client is also feeling the tension. It’s best to put the brakes on - flag the issue with your client and be very honest and up front.
LOVE THE WORK - HATE YOUR CLIENT:
At times the passion for the work can override the painful journey involved in achieving it………………..is there an easy answer? - TRICKY…………………
- Is your dislike of the client effecting your committment and ability for achieving the kinds of results that you strive for?
- How painful is the client?
- How much do you love and need the work?
- Is it worth working hard to maintain a painful client to keep the great work?
HATE YOUR CLIENT - HATE THE WORK:
BALE - life’s too short. You’ll just end up feeing bad in the end - your output will be tainted and it just aint worth the money.
Money is a renewable resource - confidence and enjoyment in each moment - is NOT. How much is this situation going to impact on your confidence and how long it will take to get your confidence back is the question.
If you have a suggestion or comment you’d like to leave - please do!
And your reward is…………… A CHICKEN!
August 17, 2008
One of the most heartwarming experiences during my recent trip with my client NCS to their flag-ship camp operation on Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea, was being an observer at their monthly staff meeting.
Gathered together were perhaps 250 local workers who were on shift at that time to, amongst other things - find out who the employee of the month award winners were…………………………
STAFF CHICKEN AWARDS
That’s right - the employees of the month win a chicken!
The staff chicken awards are a serious incentive and reward program - not a joke! Most local employees live in village environment where food and supplies have to stretch across many people. A chicken reward is JUST what the “doctor ordered”!
I’ve never seen people so proud and happy to receive a chicken, and it’s so very, very simple, appropriate, relevant, meaningful, practical AND appreciated!
Giving: Zulu regularly gives special gourmet sauce as a gift - and most people receive a funky Zulu pen - and although small and low-priced items, both have big impact and is sincerely appreciated and remembered by all those who receive it!
Receiving: I often receive movie vouchers and scratchies, and one of Zulu’s associates has given gifts of LARGE boxes of handmade, delicious gourmet chocolates for successful referrals. I LOVE IT! One gift helps me switch off and be entertained, one gift could make me rich and one gift is sure to keep me happy during my 3:00pm slump!
So what works and what doesn’t work?
- What do you give as acknowledgements, incentives and rewards to your client or staff?
- What kinds of things have you received from your clients, associates or employers?
- Does the value of the spend need to equate to or reflect the level of appreciation?
I’d love to know what you think! Leave a comment on by blog!!
PS: The chickens are frozen by the way…. not live……………………..
Setting birds free - a great way to celebrate a birthday
July 23, 2008
Usually when I travel I try my hardest not to be a tourist.
On my recent trip to Lao I celebrated my birthday by doing a tour on a long-boat up the Mekong from the quaint little town of Luang Prabang to the disappointingly ordinary Pak-au Caves to see ………… statues of buddhas in caves.
Enter the children with tiny birds in cages
I do not usually fall for the tourist trick - but these kids were only asking $1 USD per bird and I figured - "what the hell - I’m a heartless cow if I can’t spend $2 USD and release two birds to freedom and make two kids happy - on my birthday."
I could do with a little luck - and double that!
Think back to a few years ago when Richard Geer was suckered into putting an undefined number of birds on his VisaCard in order to help a little Indian girl send her brother off to school with (now) HEAPS of luck.
These kids didn’t take plastic - only crisp US Dollars.
Happy Birthday to me
Great little book on Confidence
July 22, 2008
I found this little gem on my travels.
a Thousand Paths to confidence by David Baird - ISBN978-1-84601-206-8
Here’s one little gem:
“Every moment of our life is absolutely precious and is not to be wasted in self-doubt. The wish to be confident and to live life with confidence is the vital first step. If you are prepared to take it, congratulate yourself - you have begun your journey on the path to confidence”.
I will share the other 999 paths to confidence as we go along. If you can’t wait - try and grab yourself a copy!
There is also “a thousand paths to creativity” by David Baird that is also worth seeking out… cover looks the same - just say’s creativity and not confidence.
