Over 1,000 people have participated in free seminars, workshops and mastermind programs in the past four months.  And, as much as I love being in the classroom and working with other presenters to bring valuable knowledge to the entrepreneurial community, I miss the one-on-one coaching.

So, I’ve decided to revive a small part of my fee-based programs and accept one or two clients each month.

Starting immediately, I will be providing one-on-one entrepreneurial growth coaching for those entrepreneurs wishing to take their business to a higher level of profitability.

And, for those people thinking of owning their own business, I will be providing one-on-one coaching to help them evaluate the risks and rewards of owning your own business.

Complete details for these two programs can be found by clicking ”Growth Coaching” or “Entrepreneurial Risks” tabs above.  Or, if you’d like to speak to me directly, please call me at 401-447-8000.

Recognizing that Rhode Island has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and that our economic recovery is anticipated to lag behind other states, I have created the Rhode Island Small Business Recovery Program. This comprehensive, zero-cost business training program is designed to move Rhode Islanders from unemployment to self-employment and increase the probability of success for existing businesses. 

All of the programs described in this site, www.davenashtraining.com, can now be found at www.rismallbusinessrecovery.com.  As they are found here, these programs a fee based. But, these and many other seminars and workshops are now available at no charge at www.rismallbusinessrecovery.com.

Imagine the excitement that was generated in the 1830’s with the invention of the telegraph and later that century, the telephone? More recently, the fax, email, cell phones and text messaging have taken the front seat in the drive to be the hot new communications medium. New technology is always exciting, especially when it helps us to better communicate with each other.

Once a communication channel is established, it does not take long for the direct marketers to jump in. Their excitement with the new technology is even greater than that of the consumer as they often see it as a ‘road to riches’.

But is it?

Low cost high tech marketing alternatives and a slow economy have led many businesses to go exclusively ‘digital’ with their direct marketing. They send free or low-cost emails to your computer, recorded voice messages to your telephone and text messages to your cell. While it may be an efficient strategy, it is not always be an effective one.

A recently published case study by Millward Brown actually looked at trying to scientifically understand the impact of hard copy direct mail compared to the digital world (Millward Brown 2009 case study- Using Neuroscience to Understand the Role of Direct Mail). They used functional MRI scanning to determine how the human brain actually reacts to physical versus virtual stimuli.

Here are their key findings:

-Tangible materials leave a deeper footprint in the brain.

-Physical material involves more emotional processing, which is important for memory and brand associations.

-Physical material produced more brain responses connected with internal feelings, suggesting greater “internalization” of the ads.

The scientific results of this study clearly indicate what experienced marketers have known all along. It is an absolute necessity to have an offline strategy that complements your online strategy. And that offline strategy should include physical materials such as direct mail.

History tells us that around 1000 B. C., an Egyptian landowner wrote on a piece of papyrus an advertisement for the return of a runaway slave (Effective Direct Advertising 1921 by Robert E Ramsay). Some consider that the first direct mail piece ever created. Maybe that Egyptian landowner was on to something. What’s old is new again.

Why? It’s simple. During those end of December holidays, we receive enough greeting cards to fill a good size basket. So many in fact, that we quickly forget who sent us cards.

If you wish to send a memorable greeting, that doesn’t offend any of our friends with diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs; send a Thanksgiving Day card. Include a hand written note that says, “Once again, I want to thank you for your continued support. I hope you, your family and your employees have a joyful holiday season.”

Your Thanksgiving Day greeting and expression of thanks will, mostly likely, be the only greeting card to arrive in November and the only one clients will remember receiving …one month before the onslaught of holiday cards.

1. Domain Name…Exclude competitors from improperly using your trademark in domain name.
2. Key Word Ad…Exclude competitors from improperly using your trademark in text of keyword ad.
3. Social Media Website…Exclude competitors from improperly using your trademark in social media website (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
4. Online Auctions…Exclude competitors from improperly using your trademark in online auctions (i.e. Ebay).
5. Website…Exclude competitors from improperly using trademark in content of your website.

Dan’s firm, Barlow, Josephs & Holmes, Ltd. is one of the oldest intellectual property law firms in the United States. The firm was founded in 1857.

If you have questions about protecting your intellectual property, do as I do, email Dan Holmander at djh@baros.com or call him at 410-273-4446 for expert legal advice.