Updates from December, 2007


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    Nikki and Joel got fiancés and fiancées for Christmas!

    Justin 3:18 pm on December 27, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Christmas engagement, , , love

    Twinke Twinkle!OK I know you probably thinking, “aren’t they the same thing?” Well yes and no. By definition a fiancé is the man who is engaged to the woman and a fiancée is the woman engaged to the man. They are pronounced the same in English, but they do have different definitions. Anyway that’s not important, and what is more important is the fact that Joel proposed to Nikki on Christmas Day. She said yes, of course, and the rest is history! There is a story behind the story that I will save for Nikki, but she should know, that there were never any doubts.

    Words from me to you two: Nikki, Joel loves you more than anything, and is prepared to be your, friend, partner and husband forevermore. Joel, I believe Nikki adores the man that you are, and will be, and she is ready to take her place beside the man she loves. I love you both and wish for nothing but joy and a cup that runs over from all of God’s blessings.

    Joel and Nikki compliment each other very well and what I would call a power couple. I am very excited about their recent engagement and I look forward to Nikki and Joel pulling their hair out to figure out the details of planning to spend the rest of the lives together. I am so very proud to call them family and I wish them the very best! Congrats Joel and Nikki!

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    Getting Americans to spend 60 billion.

    Justin 7:36 pm on December 26, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Internet Marketing Strategy, strategy

    Apparently, retailer are hoping that Americans will spend 60 billion dollars on post holiday season sales. One estimate is that nearly 24 billion of that will come from cashing in gift cards. The only question I have is; “When are they going to spend it?” Many are focusing on cutting prices and capitalizing on the post Christmas sales, but in my opinion, spending “stored dollars” becomes increasingly important to customer’s retention and customer loyalty, not just a way to clear out the storage closet.

    Reminding customers that they likely got a gift card, during the holiday season, and that it is a welcomed form of payment for their next purchase, may be a way to strengthen the conversation between retailers and consumers, particularly online. Consumers may appreciate the fact that their favorite retailer, or potentially new favorite retailer, reminded them of their stored value cards, and can recommend products or service that fit their lifestyle and preferences. Integrating this information with your CRM can be a great way for marketers to target promotional communications and generate more revenue opportunities. Imagine receiving a target email communication that says; “We know you probably have a gift card, why not come spend it on some of those technology things you like and more.” You may just be willing to click on a few call-to-action buttons in the email and purchase some things. Sure consumers are spending dollars that someone else has already spent, but what about that additional $50 power cable, or the $100 spa membership that their friend or loved-one would not have bought. The upsell and crossell opportunities, could be huge. Now that consumers have nearly 60 billion dollars stored away, your sales team can focus on selling additional services or products to compliment a customer’s primary purchase. As a customer, I would much rather spend 50 bucks on the accessories for my iPod, than the 300 bucks for the iPod and accessories (Assuming a $250 price tag on the iPod, and the gift card is valued at $250). On top of that, let’s face it, as a retailer you are taking a better margin to the bank on the accessories and service offering than you are on most of the primary purchase products, anyway.

    Many retailers may think that this is a bad idea, but I see this as an awesome opportunity to capture a new customer, or even learn more about an old one. Increasing a customer’s spending, even if it’s stored value, increases the likelihood of that customer returning for future experiences, and buying similar products or service to compliment their previous purchase. It may even rekindle an old retail-customer relationship, that has been dormant for a while. Maybe I’m thinking too much like a consumer, but if the possession of a gift card gets a customer in the door or on my website, as I retailer, I’m happy you have it. Gift cards simply act as Mr. Opportunity knocking, it’s just up to retail to answer.

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    This is what my parent's need!

    Justin 3:53 pm on December 23, 2007 | 0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: table-top computing, the future of computing, too cool

    Ok I just thought I would share something I found while digging around the web this afternoon. Tell me that this doesn’t rock! This is what I want for Christmas next year.

    Desktop Computing… literally!

    Let me know what you think!
    -Justin

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    My Christmas wish list

    Justin 12:04 am on December 6, 2007 | 1 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Christmas Wishlist, gifts, giving

    Hey family and friends I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a very happy holiday season. Please remember those that are without when thinking about your Christmas wish list. With that said I will share my personal wish list, and feel free to pick one!

    Justin’s Christmas Wish List

    1. A new Mac Book Pro (with Final Cut Pro Pre-installed)
    2. A HD digital camcorder (An AMEX gift card would be best)
    3. a digital camera the same as above
    4. World Peace (Wouldn’t it be nice)
    5. Some extra cash for the new crib
    6. iTunes gift cards (added 12/8)
    7. Best Buy gift cards (added 12/8)
    8. ANY gift card (added 12/8)

    OK! That pretty much sums me up. God has blessed me with so many other things that I don’t, and can’t possibly ask for any more. These would just be icing on the beautiful cake he has made.

    Be blessed and Happy Holidays.

    -Justin

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