Melinda Stone

Orange County Advertiser Blog welcomes guest blogger Greg Reed - Globalbizz

The Diamond Emporium is one of the largest jewelry chains in my area. They got to be that way in the very competitive jewelry business because of how they built their business. While most retail outlets lead with 'price style' advertising (you know the type - Diamond ring was $1995now just $995), the Diamond Emporium advertised FREE diamond grading classes at their outlets.

Now instead of advertising specials for Valentine's Day, they didn't advertise at all.People could attend a showroom and be taught how to select a diamond, grade it and when they needed tobuy a diamond they could recognize value; no matter where they bought it.

This ingenius 'education' program saved the company a fortune in advertising. While their competitiors spent hundreds of thousands of dollars marketing the latest price reduction,Diamond Emporium were opening new outlets. Brilliant isn't it. They became the hunted instead of huntingfor customers.

Read more example and innovative tips on how to apply this principle to your business at www.OrangeCountyAdvertiser.com

We all know how important it is care for our environment and there is a big push to purchase products that are "green". But do you know how to determine if a product meets the green guidelines? Take a look at these qualifiers at http://www.welcometooc.com/

"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues."
- Dr. Seuss (The Lorax)

Small changes make for big results. In honor of Earth Day, start making your changes today!

At home:

1.Make your own window wash: Mix 3 tablespoons vinegar with 2 cups of water. Spray right on your windows and wipe away. For windows that have been tinted, this is a must as cleaners with ammonia can harm the tinting.
2.Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. This also keeps your clothes in top shape for longer.
3.Lower the temperature on your hot water heater. Simple, simple, simple.
4.Five-minute showers - make it a goal for yourself. Reward yourself with extra time in bed.

Read more easy tips for home and around OC at www.WelcomeToOC.com

An IBM commissioned study based on phone interviews with 4000 consumers yielded the following trends:

• Out of total respondents, 73% say they have made "significant spending cuts" due to economy.
• Hardest hit are those earning less than or equal to $45,000 but 59% of those earning less than or equal to $100,000 say they have also cut back.
• Changes consumers are making: 49% shop at a greater number of stores to get best deal, 35% are switching grocery stores.
• Responses indicate the changes in habits will outlast the slump. Major reason why: Only 15% of respondents think it is "very likely" their household income will rise by 20% in the next 5 yrs. Meanwhile, 45% said their income is "not at all" likely to rise by 20% in next 5 yrs.
• 50% say they're buying less food, 45% have cut back on food not cooked at home, whether from grocery store, restaurant, or take out.
• People are also more open to online coupons sent to their mobile devices to save money.

Significance for the hospitality industry: People are cutting back on their "dining out"

Noteworthy: In the current economy, NEW residents "defy the trend."

Why? Their unique situation (just moved) means they are prepared to spend more than they normally would on a large variety of goods and services. They also have excellent credit as well as money in the bank--otherwise they would not have qualified for that home loan! Everyone has their favorite group of restaurants, i.e. some combination of fine dining, fast casual, ethnic, pizza place, carry-out, etc. You want to get your restaurant on their favorites list!

Why not replace those customers you lose thru normal attrition with newcomers who are actively looking to develop "new favorites!?" A welcome service can "make that introduction" before they (newcomers) visit the competition!!

Orange County business owners: You may know the value of being a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, but did you know that there is a California Chamber of Commerce? They are here to help you!

Take a look at this short description of who they are and how they can help.

"Mission: To serve as an advocate and resource for California employers and to engage in other activities, domestically and internationally, that enhances the California economy and make the state a better place to live, work and do business.

We're the champion of California businesses, large and small. Our 15,000 members are a diverse group, ranging from companies such as Del Monte Foods and the Walt Disney Corporation to local companies with a handful of employees.

For more than 100 years, the California Chamber of Commerce has worked to make California a better place to do business by giving private-sector employers a voice in state politics and providing a full range of California-specific products and services. Experience has taught us that California's business leaders need comprehensive support that follows key issues such as health care, workers' compensation and business taxes. Not only do we give you the tools to make compliance easier after laws are passed, we work within state and federal politics to ensure fair legislation and a pro business climate.

CalChamber membership facts:

• Members total 15,000
• Members employ one-fourth the private sector workforce in California
• 75% of CalChamber members have 100 or fewer employees

To learn more about CalChamber visit: http://www.calchamber.com"

If you have not yet tapped into the resource of your local chamber of commerce, here are just a sampling of the reasons why you should delay no further.

• You tap into an extensive volunteer base that acts as an arm of your business by providing marketing and promotional assistance and educational opportunities, and by working to improve the quality of life in your community -- all in the name of member businesses!
• Your investment is returned to the community through better legislation, greater productivity, quality education, a quality workforce, and area advancement.
• You support the community that supports your business.

Learn more about your local Chamber of Commerce by clicking HERE