Archive for the ‘Good Experiences’ Category

13
Oct
2008
My Daugher with Cammi Granato

My Daugher with Cammi Granato

This past weekend, Cammi Granato was inducted into the USA Hockey Hall of Fame, along with Mike Richter, Brian Leetch and Brett Hull. If you don’t follow hockey, these names might mean little to you, but that’s okay, I’ll cut you a break and get right to the meat of this post. During her whirlwind tour around the Denver Metro this past week, Cammi took part in a hockey event at the Apex, home to the Arvada Girls Hockey program. In attendance were numerous girls from all over the metro, skating, eating, and laughing. One would not really be thinking of marketing in such a setting, but the business person in me could not help but think about it.

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Being an ice hockey coach for the YMCA for the last 8 years, it’s easy for me to see the joy kids have while being part of a team, being accepted no matter their shape, sex, color, or ability. My locker room is filled with smiling faces and laughing kids, and I know that these kids have made friendships that will last them for years to come. Some of these kids have been in my locker room the entire time I’ve coached! It’s a place where all kids feel safe, are made to feel valued, and where they can reach out to others for support and guidance. Unfortunately, there are kids right here in my community that never get this experience. The reason I’m helping fundraise for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign this year is simple…I want ALL kids to have this great experience.

Help the Strong Kids Campaign!

Help the Strong Kids Campaign!

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09
Aug
2008

Most days I’m listening to Internet radio through iTunes. The huge diversity of selections is hard to beat. One station I found recently is called Mountain Chill, located under the ambient section in iTunes, where you can find a host of music, podcasts, talk, etc., if you download their program.  I was delighted to discover this station plays really great music to work or cook by, but also included in the broadcast are voices of real people, and no commercials. They also highlight areas around their town that are great destinations in a segment they call “Chill Spots“, should you come for a visit or live nearbyt. It’s like combining travel tips with the soundtrack that gets you there. An excellent listen for any of you creatives out there, they have evocative setlists and oh, by the way, they’re right here in Colorado, in Ouray!

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Alright, now this post is speaking of things second hand, but I consider my husband a reliable source. He finally got an opportunity to shop at Sunflower Market in Boulder this week. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so excited about a grocery shopping excursion. He came home with more produce than ever seen him buy, he stocked the pantry with things usually left to me to bring home. The bottom line, the prices, selection, and overall experience made him want to go again. I knew when I received their weekly flyer that things were different in this store, not your ordinary health food shop. No, quite the opposite, they have turned the natural food shopping experience into something accessible to everyone with every kind of budget. Compare that to their competitor, Whole Foods (or as we quip, Whole Paycheck) and you’ll find at Sunflowers, you’ll be coming home with a heavier wallet for once. I can’t wait to head over myself, but for now, my husband’s shopping spree makes it unnecessary.

I’ll report when I experience it myself. By the way, they might have one in your own neighborhood – they are opening stores all over the western states, but particularly here in Colorado. Enjoy!

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09
May
2008

We have a favorite local Mexican Restaurant we like to dine in, but occasionally, the week is too crazy and we order for take out. We like this place for a couple reasons; the food is great, the service is too, and the margaritas are generous. But I digress, this particular evening we called to order and were greeted with this: “Good Evening, El Senor Sol. What can we prepare for you?” Wow, how nice is that? I felt kind of special and rattled off our order. My DH went to pick up our meal and returned, but once I saw the bag, I knew something was wrong…it was a little light. Ahhh, shucks, they missed our friend’s order in there. I called over and let them know of this oversight and they were immediately apologetic and begged us to come back, they would correct everything. Fortunately, the place is just around the corner, so back my DH goes. Upon returning this time, he came back with the missing order, which they comped and and added 4 sopapillas, free of charge. My husband said they were so sweet, he almost felt bad.

The lesson here is mistakes can happen, it’s how you correct them that matters. Go above and beyond and really, most customers will understand and be grateful you fixed things right away. And if you’re looking for good Mexican food, visit our friends at El Senor Sol.

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08
May
2008

One thing I really like getting receiving is enewsletters that have tips and useful information. After all, if you’re going to read something from a business, shouldn’t it be something that actually helps you? I mention this because I am on the mailing list for a company called Peaceful Valley and they sell organic gardening products and in their enewsletter, they always give excellent pointers on being a more proficient organic gardener, how to save your plants (read: investment) and how to get the best out of a crop. Oh, and their prices aren’t half bad either. The other great thing about these folks is they don’t just jam the most expensive item at you, they give you options – I like that.

If you’re producing a newseletter or enewsletter, make sure give your customers this kind of treatment; pointers, tips and alternative to get their best results. You become useful and a resource, not just another business trying to push your widget.

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06
May
2008

Those who know me know I am a hockey junkie of the worst kind. Last night, I had a knee injury that took me out of the game. I’m a reluctant “doctor visitor”, but this morning, I realized this was no ordinary strain…something more serious was going on, it was time to get things looked at.

Rather than head to the ER, I thought I would call a reputable orthopedic surgeon in the area and set an appointment for later in the week. Imagine my surprise when they said they had an opening that afternoon?! Wow. Great. I got in, they looked my knee over, looks like I will be off the ice for 4-6 weeks nursing an grade 2 MCL tear. They give me a short list of exercises to do once the swelling goes down a bit, but, and here’s the great thing, they ask to fit me with a knee brace right then and there. We’re not talking “ace bandage”, we’re talking robo-brace. The orthotics fitter is right there in the office and had a couple variations to make sure I had the most comfortable type, stabilizing type; no wonder Dr. Michael Wertz team comes so highly recommended.

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