Advertising In Motion (AIM) - AIM For Kindness

Do you stand out in a crowd?

2011-10-08T18:53:00.000-04:00

TEAM WORK

2011-10-07T04:00:00.001-04:00

As one person I can make a difference

As a team working together we can change the WORLD

SACRIFICE

2011-10-07T04:00:00.000-04:00

Sacrifice is the willingness to give it ALL for the cause

COURAGE

2011-10-05T04:00:00.000-04:00

Courage is the strength to move forward

What color are your blooms?

2011-10-04T18:49:00.000-04:00

Did you have growth this season?

2011-10-03T18:45:00.001-04:00

ADVERSITY

2011-10-03T04:00:00.002-04:00

In the face of adversity LEADERS must:

Know what they stand for and stay the course

RESPECT

2011-10-03T04:00:00.001-04:00

Respect is something EARNED not given.

Respect is given for the following:

Unwavering strength in times of crisis

Standing on a position no matter what

People knowing what you stand for and unwillingness to change

Willingness to facedown adversity

Doing what is best - not what will be get you re-elected

Are you showing all your colors?

2011-10-02T18:44:00.001-04:00

New Tags

2011-10-01T10:30:00.001-04:00

Effective today - my tags will be:

Respect

Dignity

Courage

Sacrifice

Equality

Justice

Did you bloom this season?

2011-10-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

It Starts At The Top

2011-10-01T08:59:00.000-04:00

The Leader sets the course

How people are treated

Are they Thanked

Are they forgotten

Do you say Hello and ask their name

Do you greet with a handshake or a hug

Do you take time to really listen and address the concern personally

HOW THICK IS YOUR SKIN?

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Team Work

2011-09-30T08:57:00.000-04:00

As one person I can make a difference

As a team working together we can change the WORLD

WHAT DO OTHERS SEE IN YOUR EYES?

2011-09-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

Sacrifice

2011-09-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

Sacrifice is the willingness to give it ALL for the cause

Do You Look For the Silver Lining In Everything?

2011-09-27T09:45:00.002-04:00

I am in the process of better defining what I do.

Recently a previous client called and said he wanted to do business again. We discussed his goals, what he is looking for and his timeframe for the project.

I ordered in samples for the meeting and we met the following Tuesday. We had a great meeting and then one of his employee's joined us. The whole tone of the meeting changed.

I did push back during this meeting when the tone changed and I was satisfied with the answers I received so we proceeded to get a sample produced for them.

The second meeting, however, helped me realize that I have changed as an entrepreneur and leader. This meeting was all about them and helping me to loose money on this project.

I walked away this morning and have closed that chapter of working with this client - I have learned through the school of hard knocks that we both must make money. I always strive to give my client the best possible price, however, when it is only about them - I need to walk away.

Do I have samples that I need to send back? Yes.

Have I invested time and money into this project? Yes.

Have I learned something valuable? Absolutely.

The silver lining is: I am NOW better able to define who are MY true clients.

A TRUE LEADER

2011-09-27T09:02:00.000-04:00

A TRUE LEADER WITH COURAGE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, UNDERSTANDS THERE WILL BE SACRIFICE FOR ALL, HAS A PLAN WHO WORKS WITH A "WE CAN DO IT ATTITUDE" TEAM

Courage

2011-09-27T08:54:00.000-04:00

Courage is the strength to move forward

WHAT KIND OF FRUIT ARE YOU GROWING?

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

TODAY

2011-09-24T11:11:00.003-04:00

I will be me and not worry about anything

Be The Change You Want To See In The World

2011-09-24T10:26:00.001-04:00

Are people in your world negative?
Always snipping?
Backbiting?
Complaining?

Is this really who you are too?

Many times - I have been upset about things and I want to leave or snipe too? Each time I come upon this - some wise one speaks into my life and says, "Jan, you need to be the change you want to see in the world. You need to step out and speak up."

So another wise one has spoken and it is time that I share words, silver linings and my experiences with the world from another point of view.

WHAT KIND OF SOIL ARE YOU PLANTED IN?

2011-09-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Are you and your friends blooming?

2011-09-22T18:39:00.000-04:00

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR POT OF GOLD?

2011-09-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

WHICH WAY ARE YOU LEANING?

2011-09-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

WILL YOU BLOOM THIS SEASON?

2011-09-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

HOW MANY U-TURNS ARE YOU MAKING?

2011-09-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

HOW MANY LAYERS DO YOU NEED TO GO THROUGH?

2011-09-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

HOW IS YOUR FOUNDATION?

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Thanksgiving & Thank You Cards Sale - 10% off and Free Envelope Printing Until 9/15/11

2011-09-06T15:56:00.001-04:00

Hurry Offer Expires 9/15/11

Click here to order!

HOW DO YOU VIEW THE WORLD?

2011-09-06T10:00:00.001-04:00

HOW BIG ARE YOUR ROADBLOCKS?

2011-09-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

DOES YOUR GAME BALL NEED POLISHING?

2011-09-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

ARE THERE SOME THINGS THAT NEED PRUNING IN YOUR LIFE?

2011-08-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

WHAT ARE YOUR RESULTS?

2011-08-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

DO YOU NEED TO MAKE TIME FOR THINGS TO GROW?

2011-08-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

DO YOU HAVE A WRITTEN PLAN?

2011-08-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU QUITTING TOO SOON?

2011-08-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

DO YOU HAVE DISTRACTIONS THAT HAVE BECOME PART OF LIFE?

2011-08-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

DO YOU HAVE WEEDS OR TOO MANY DISTRACTIONS IN YOUR LIFE?

2011-08-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

DO YOU HAVE OTHERS TO HELP LIGHT THE WAY?

2011-08-09T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOUR THORNS SHOWING?

2011-08-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

ARE YOUR PRIORITIES CORRECT?

2011-08-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT ARE YOU SHOWING TO THE WORLD?

2011-08-03T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU BEING DETAINED BY BLEEDING HEARTS

2011-08-01T10:00:00.002-04:00

ARE YOU TRYING TO JUMP AHEAD?

2011-08-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU STAYING ON COURSE?

2011-07-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU READING THE SIGNS - EXTERNALLY - INTERNALY

2011-07-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU PLAYING BY THE RULES?

2011-07-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

ARE YOU HIDDEN OR IN THE PUBLIC EYE?

2011-07-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES?

2011-07-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU EASILY DERAILED?

2011-07-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU CELEBRATING?

2011-07-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU BRANCHING OUT?

2011-07-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

ARE YOU BLOOMING WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED?

2011-07-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE DANGER SIGNS?

2011-07-04T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU AMONG FRIENDS AND /OR FAMILY?

2011-07-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING YOUR SOUL?

2011-06-29T10:00:00.002-04:00

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR 4 LEAF CLOVERS? THE EASIEST WAY?

2011-06-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU A SHOW PONY OR A WORK HORSE?

2011-06-24T10:00:00.003-04:00

ARE YOU A LEADER WHO SHOWS THE WAY?

2011-06-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU PROVIDING LIFE GIVING WATER OR THROWING UP CAUTION?

2011-06-21T10:00:00.001-04:00

ARE YOU A BEACON ON SUNSHINE?

2011-06-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

DO YOU HAVE SOME THINGS THAT NEED PRUNED?

2011-06-17T10:00:00.002-04:00

Networking Like Planting Daisies

2011-06-17T10:00:00.001-04:00

When we begin networking and in business it is like planting daisies. At first we have a few customers and networking partners. Then soon we have more.

ARE YOU BLOOMING WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED?

2011-06-16T17:46:00.002-04:00

ARE YOU A BEHIND THE SCENES PERSON?

2011-06-16T17:38:00.002-04:00

ARE YOUR WOUNDS HEALED?

2011-06-16T17:31:00.002-04:00

Don't Quit Too Soon

2011-06-16T15:57:00.000-04:00

Many times in business we quit too soon.
Just like this flower - it has many buds on it - just ready to bloom.
Make sure that you have tried all avenues before quitting or changing course.

The Press, Kent District Library teams take top honors at spelling bee for literacy

2011-03-11T07:24:00.000-05:00

CASCADE TOWNSHIP — By the third round, Mary Hanson apparently had enough of word pronouncer Esther “The Hammer” Prins’ choice of spelling bee words. The director with Altrusa International’s Foundation Board made up her own list and handed it to Prins.

With a laughs, Prin set aside the list — “cup,” “read” and “spoon” among its highlights — and instead allowed Hanson and her spelling partner to stumble over “capricious,” “paparazzo” and “maraschino.”

“These words are getting out of hand,” said Hanson who, along with Jan Hall from Advertising In Motion, took the Frustration Award at Thursday’s 18th annual spelling bee to raise money for the Literacy Center of West Michigan. (And the Most Entertaining - isn't that a Hoot!)

The annual comedic evening, held at Noto’s Old World Italian Restaurant, typically pits corporate-sponsored teams against each other for three rounds of speed spelling.

First place went to Grand Rapids Press reporter Cami Reister and copy editor Dan Hawkins, followed by Mary Christensen and Angie Stout with the Kent District Library.

The levity of the spelling competition followed a weighty dinner and award presentations, where the Literacy Center honored The Rapidian, Win Irwin of Irwin Seating Co., and Jacqueline Taylor of Taylor Global Consultants with community awards.

About 350 attended the event, which raised an estimated $32,000 to help the center tackle illiteracy. The “Spellebration” is the center’s largest annual fundraiser and helps it serve about 1,300 people a year with adult tutoring, family literacy and customized workplace English programs.

Successful program participants like Sandra Ash, 51, were showcased. Ash received the Walmart Foundation Lifelong Skills Award for completing a GED program after five months at the Literacy Center, which she came to with a sixth-grade education.

By center estimates, 21 percent of adults in Grand Rapids and 14 percent in Kent County are reading below the ninth-grade level, and at least 60 percent of students entering Michigan community colleges require remedial education.

“It’s much more common than people realize,” said Lisa Buffin, Literacy Center board president. “It’s amazing the number of people who get by without having those basic literacy skills.”

The center estimates that 83 percent of kids entering kindergarten in Grand Rapids Public Schools lack the pre-reading skills necessary to learn to read.

“If parents are at a point where they can’t read and teach their children at a young age, there’s that gap,” she said. “It makes things harder throughout life.”

She said corporate sponsors like Spectrum Health recently helped as many as 70 employees boost literacy skills through workplace training grants.

Buffin said the donation level is down a bit in the last couple years due to the economy, and corporate sponsors have scaled back their contributions. Typically, the spelling bee brought in closer to $50,000, she said.

E-mail the author of this story: localnews@grpress.com

Tips To Eat Sustainably, Healthy & Smart

2011-03-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Plant something. Try a container garden on a balcony or in a window box.
Learn about good sources of healthy foods in various seasons.
Take a cooking class.

Source Natural Awakening March 2011

Tips To Eat Sustainably, Healthy & Smart -

2011-03-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

When buying local, but not organic, ask the farmer: "Why not organic?" He or she may be doing something close.
At a farmers' market, ask the management how they choose their vendors. Must they be local, or certified organic? How are they screened?

Source Natural Awakening Magazine March 2011

Tips To Eat Sustainably, Healthy & Smart

2011-03-07T10:00:00.003-05:00

Buy certified organic and local when possible.
Always choose certified organic when shopping for the publicized dirty dozen: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes.

Source March 2011 Natural Awakening Magazine

Success Tip

2011-03-07T09:40:00.000-05:00

"The successful warrior is the average woman, with laser-like focus." --- Bruce Lee

How To Keep Mind Strong and Clear

2011-03-06T16:37:00.000-05:00

To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
Buddha

We Have The Products That You Want

2010-09-21T06:59:00.000-04:00

Consultants are in tune with the trends, including hot items and the newest products and processes. A qualified consultant can add creativity, innovation and imagination to your overall program to achieve your goals. Many online services show you the products they want to sell; a qualified consultant will listen to what you want and help you find the right product for your needs. And a consultant can provide tangible samples that appeal to your senses: taste, touch and feel!

Excellent Products That Last

2010-09-14T06:59:00.001-04:00

Professional consultants have access to vast product research resources, including an extensive database which contains more than 600,000 products. Yes, you can find a mug online, but a consultant can find hundreds of mugs, in a multitude of colors, sizes, shapes, materials, designs, etc. Have you saved money if you get the mugs and they are not the right color? Is it worth the extra savings if you get the mugs and they are so breakable due to inferior materials that they are virtually unusable?

Helping The New Business On The Blcok

2010-09-13T06:59:00.001-04:00

Marco and Diane had just opened Maddogz in Comstock Park, when Mark came in for a hot dog. He noticed that they were writing up orders on bits of paper.

Mark returned to his business, Quick Print. He created blank recycled notepads from some pre-printed paper. He then dropped off a whole box of these notepads to Marco and Diane to take orders on.

Marco and Diane were both awed and amazed that another business person would reach out to them and give them something for free.

As new business owners – everyone is vying for business from the new kid on the block – instead – Mark reached out and helped Marco and Diane.

To this day, they still sing praises about how Mark helped them and did not want anything in return, except to help them be successful.

What can you do to reach out to make a difference in another persons life or business?

How To Have A Successful Promotion

2010-09-07T06:59:00.003-04:00

Good consultants go beyond just selling products. Successful promotional campaigns don’t happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course, the ultimate result to be gained. While it’s true that you can buy a product anywhere, an experienced consultant can help you solve problems, plan a program and get results.

Go Green This Holiday Season & Use West MI Seed Vendor

2010-09-06T09:22:00.000-04:00

The Holiday Season is approaching fast. Why not go green this holiday season and spend about $.74 for 250 or $.62 for 500 – seed Holiday Postcards.

For this price you get 3 imprint areas – black ink and your choice between –Wildflower, Zinnia, Butterfly Mix, Marigold or Forget-Me-Not.

What a wonderful way to save on the budget and give a gift that gives back.

Back To School Special

2010-08-18T19:52:00.000-04:00

25% off the price of bags - order must be for 250 or more bags from our preferred vendor Bag Makers http://www.bagmakersinc.com/ Hurry Limited Time Offer - Expires August 31, 2010.

Discount does not apply to setup, freight or Michigan Sales Tax.

We Are Experts

2010-08-16T21:15:00.003-04:00

At Advertising In Motion we are experts in our field.

When you’re sick, you want a doctor who has the specialization and training to help you. We meet the highest qualification standards in the industry and display “The Mark of a Professional.” There’s no need to spend all your time on the Internet or searching through catalogs.

We will come to you—like a doctor who makes house calls!

Are You A Starfish Thrower? Do you always make a difference

2010-08-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

I believe in always making a difference.
This story exemplifies that philosophy.

The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley
1907 - 1977
The Starfish Story

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

The entire team at Advertising In Motion consistently makes a difference in the lives of individuals and in our community. We truly believe in being starfish throwers.

And we each make a difference every day!

We encourage you to become a Starfish Thrower!

Words For 100

2010-08-10T21:01:00.000-04:00

This section will be about different ways to look at words aka names.

Creativity

2010-03-07T20:19:00.005-05:00

Over the last several months I have stepped out of my comfort zone and gone to the local artist guild meetings. These meetings have been wonderful. I have had the chance to see and learn about art techniques that I would not normally have been exposed too. This has helped me with my creativity to share with my clients and in my personal life.

My question for you is what are you exposing yourself to which will engage you in something new ?

Opportunities Abound – Are They Right For You?

2010-02-28T20:22:00.001-05:00

The last couple of weeks/months I have had several people offer me new ways to advertise and or show me new business models. It is amazing to me how many new business opportunities are available. Whenever I look at these opportunities I go back to my core goals and determine if they fit.

So as you are looking at the opportunities coming your way – I challenge you to look at your core (life) goals and then determine whether they meet those goals or if you should pass on the opportunity.

The Comeback Story

2010-02-25T20:25:00.002-05:00

Bode Miller is winning at the Olympic Games this year. They claim he is a great comeback story. The story about him talks about his daughter helping him to get focused.

My question to you today is do you need to re-evaluate your life and determine your reason for your business or personal goals?

Are you prepared?

2010-02-21T20:27:00.003-05:00

My husband, Larry, and I have been enjoying the Vancouver Olympics the last week. It has been very interesting learning about the lives of these athletes. They start from a very young age, stay focused, learn new techniques and keep training.

I believe this is a wise lesson for business today. Too many times we give up just before we are winners. Or we get distracted by offering other products or services – rather than staying focused on our goals. Or we try to use out-dated techniques in today’s environment. Or we think we should have made it by a certain date – instead of continuing to train.

My question today is - Are you prepared or distracted?

My Personal Mission

2010-02-21T20:17:00.003-05:00

I recently reviewed my life goals.

My personal mission in life is to:

“Weave creativity through my life and others and always making time for my family and friends.” I developed this mission statement in October of 2000 and refer to it often.

My question for you today is what is your personal mission?

MakingTime For New Things

2010-02-15T16:19:00.001-05:00

How many of you have a very full schedule. I know that I have been guilty of this more than once and have had to quit going to some events to clear the way for new opportunities.

My challenge to you today is to review your schedule – are there some things in your schedule which should be removed – to make way for new opportunities?

Antithesis

2010-02-12T16:16:00.000-05:00

Antithesis definition is the oppositive of. This was my word of the week at the end of December 2009.

Some antithesis that I easily think of are:

Man – woman

Night – day

Summer – winter

Black – white

My question for you today is what are some other antithesis that come to your mind?

Giving A Gift

2010-02-11T16:18:00.000-05:00

My question for the day is when do you feel like you have been given a gift? When you get a promotional product from a company or from another individual?

What does a gift give you? It places you in front of great people.

My question is: who do you want to give a gift to? What great person would you like to impact with a gift aka promotional product?

Focus

2010-02-10T16:14:00.003-05:00

Focus is the word this week. What are you focused on? What occupies most of your thinking?

My question today is are you focusing on the positives and the great things coming your way or are you focused on the negatives?

Attitude

2010-02-08T16:12:00.001-05:00

Attitude is the difference maker in business. When we have an attitude of “I Can Do It” versus an attitude of “Life gets the best of me” we show who we are in every conversation that we have with others.

My question today is what is your attitude? I Can Do It or Life gets the best of me.

You Get What You Think About

2010-02-06T16:12:00.000-05:00

“You get what you think about” is an interesting concept. To prove this point I have a networking partner that calls me 3-5 times per week to just check on “how I am doing”. Whenever, I ask him about how he is doing – he tells me everytime that he is still looking for work. Needless to say that is what he is focused on and that is what he thinks he needs.

My thoughts are that no matter how many orders he receives in a week he will still think that he needs more, because that is what he focuses on.

I gave him a great lead last week – in which he wrote business – I did not receive a “Thank You” but rather the next phone call was I am just looking for more business. Guess what , that is still what he is looking for, as that is what he is focused on. Rather than an attitude of gratitude he has an attitude of lack.

My question today is what are you focusing on – an attitude of gratitude or an attitude of lack?

Attitude of Gratitude

2010-01-30T12:28:00.001-05:00

Attitude of Gratitude

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Or an attitude of why me?

When you have an attitude of gratitude and appreciate the time that others spend with you and let them know that you appreciate them everything in works better.

A wise friend recently shared that whatever you focus on – will be what you get. If you focus on gratitude you will be grateful. If you focus on lack – you will have lack.

My question to you today - What are you focusing on?

Success Depends On Balance

2010-01-28T12:26:00.002-05:00

Success Depends On Balance

Have you ever talked to someone about your business goals and they said you needed to add more me time or exercise or planning?

One of the key principles to success is making sure that you have balance in your life. If you work all the time and don’t have play time or time to exercise or spend time with the family you will burn out.

When you burn out it takes a LONG time to get back and sometime we lose the most important relationships in our life before we hit burn out.

So my recommendation to you for today is to make sure you have balance in your life – for work, family and play.

Success Takes Planning

2010-01-26T12:25:00.001-05:00

Success Takes Planning

I have talked to a lot of business partners and clients and everyone is expecting great things in 2010.

One of the keys to ensuring success is planning. How much time are you spending each day, week and month planning?

For every hour you meet with clients – you should be spending at least ten minutes in planning for that phone call or appointment.

Also, in order to be highly successful you should divide your time up by these categories:

• Creative – time to create and incubate new ideas and share best practices.

• Networking – attend regular networking functions and meet new people

• Prep Time – time to prepare – this may include devotions, time to eat and get dressed for the day in addition to planning for the day

• Office / Drive Time – time to get things done and follow up on leads, orders and time to drive to the appointment

• Exercise – Me Time – time to exercise and just focus on me

• Appointment / Phone Call time – time spent with clients

Staying Focused

2010-01-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

Staying Focused

Okay, it is the last week in January. How are you doing on your business goals?

Have you measured your results so far this month? Do you need to refine your goals or change up your game plan?

One of the key pitfalls with goals is not measuring them soon enough and evaluating what is working and what is not working soon enough.

Review the last three weeks – how have you spent your time? Have you remained focused on your business goals or have you continued to spend time socializing (holiday spirit) rather than getting back to work.

Remember staying focused on your goals and measuring results all the time is key to meeting your goals.