Trying to figure out what to get your loved ones for the Holiday is a daunting task in an of itself. Trying to find out WHERE to get it is another story. I've designed this post to help guide you through local businesses that can provide you with all the gifts you could possibly want!
Bob and Ron's Worldwide Stereo!
For almost three decades, Bob & Ron’s World Wide Stereo has been one of the nation's leading providers of emerging technologies, both cutting edge and practical in the consumer electronics arena. With a reputation for integrity and quality, World Wide Stereo has survived the test of time by offering personal service, award winning installations, and competitive pricing. An organization that finds its foundation in the credo, “ Doing well by doing good", World Wide Stereo continues to maintain this philosophy by giving back to the community and providing products that truly do bring families together. A full service custom creative design and installation team brings the finest Audio, Video, Home Theater and Home Integration products to reality. With two showrooms on Rt 309 in Montgomeryville and in the Ardmore plaza on the Main Line, Bob & Ron’s World Wide Stereo continues to exceed customer's expectations
Main Line Hobbies
Main line Hobbies bills themselves as the east coasts largest slot car store! Having brought my kids to the place I can attest to its size and selection. Truly a fun place to go for just spending the day (they have a huge open track that you can run your own cars on), or to take part in their Saturday races. The knowledge and experience in this place is enough to teach even the most experienced slot car racers about new products, building new cars, or even racing. For those wishing to get introduced into the world of slot car racing, or get their kids interested, this is truly the place you need to be. With a full selection of cars, tracks, parts, and even detail kits, you can't go wrong. Conveniently located on Hannah Ave in East Norriton.
Francesco and Giovanni Salon
For that special someone in your life. Whether it be your mom, your sister, your wife, or even your husband, Francesco and Giovanni offers something for all. Hair cuts and coloring are just the tip of the iceberg. F&G offer a huge selection of spa packages for both men and women. From Bridal packages, to the "Gentleman's Handshake", there's enough to choose from for all of the people on your list! During the Holiday Season, F&G is offering an additional $20 for every $100 in gift cards you buy. They also have a huge line of salon products to add to any stocking! Check them out!
Conshohocken Italian Bakery
Voted the #1 bakery in Philly, how can you go wrong by hitting this place up for Holiday eats? The best rolls, tomato pie, Italian baked goods, cookies, pastries, etc... I almost feel stupid including this in here because you MUST already know about this place! Truly a treasure for those who live in the area!
Chiccarines Fine Jewelery and Diamonds
When I asked about Jewelers in Montgomery County, I kept hearing about this place. Service, quality and customer satisfaction are #1 and it's evident throughout the community. Located in Collegeville, Chiccarines takes special care in helping customers choose the right piece of jewelry and for the right price. They want you as their customer forever, and they go out of their way to make you feel like family.
Tailwind Bicycles
Way up in Schwenksville, the staff at Tailwind can help you with all of your questions. Located on the Perkiomen Trail, Tailwind specializes in mountain bikes and road bikes. With over 300 bikes in stock, they will certainly have no shortage of models from the beginning rider to the most experienced. They can service anyone and everyone, from children's bikes to high end road bikes. They also offer lessons, rentals and gift certificates for the riding enthusiast in your life! Check out the site for everything they offer!
Check back tomorrow for more local businesses and gift ideas!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Here's wishing a very Happy and Safe Thanksgiving to all of you out there. This is truly one of my favorite holidays.
I've been working on a post the last few weeks. I've had discussions with some pretty smart people. Professors, Finance folk, and just some pretty brainy people. The conversations centered around the economy.
The question I am asking is what has more impact on the other... The global economy on the local, or the local economy on the Global?
Arguments could be made for either, but what I am finding out is that the answer is more important (and complicated) than you think.
I will also be spreading the word this entire month about where you can go to do your Holiday shopping LOCALLY! If you don't already know, there are some pretty cool places to go find the perfect present for your loved ones! Everything from electronics to clothes!
I've been working on a post the last few weeks. I've had discussions with some pretty smart people. Professors, Finance folk, and just some pretty brainy people. The conversations centered around the economy.
The question I am asking is what has more impact on the other... The global economy on the local, or the local economy on the Global?
Arguments could be made for either, but what I am finding out is that the answer is more important (and complicated) than you think.
I will also be spreading the word this entire month about where you can go to do your Holiday shopping LOCALLY! If you don't already know, there are some pretty cool places to go find the perfect present for your loved ones! Everything from electronics to clothes!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
It's the process man!
I've written about this before and probably will again, but it never ceases to amaze me... that is the power of an idea with a dose of passion, a smidgen of ambition and the right approach to defining and achieving their goals.
When someone gets an idea in their head, and really focuses on the possibilities, the outcome only becomes dependent on effort. The freedoms we have within this country make the success of these ideas possible. Not the success, but the ability to achieve that success. But why are some successful and some aren't? It's the process put in place to achieve the end game.
In my travels this past week, I ran into 4 specific people from my past. All had spent years embarking on a journey to see their ideas come to a realization. In all cases they were ideas turned into business opportunities. One was a product, two were a service, and the 4th was based on delivering content to the masses. What they are isn't important. What is important is the approach they all took to achieve their goals.
In all cases strategies where defined, objectives where stated, and tactics where implemented to realize their goals surrounding their IDEA. The highlighted statement is what all four spoke about WITHOUT using those specific words.
It's a process that is utilized everyday by the most successful businesses/companies/people. It's a process that gives the idea the most chance at success. In fact if you can define each one, the only way you fail is if you don't do the work. It's what separates the successful from the ones that never really achieve full potential.
It simplifies the complex to allow results in the most efficient manner. It's what I see everyday in local business. It's how they win. It's how they are successful, proven time and time again.
When an idea, goal or initiative is approached in this manner, success is easier achieved. More importantly, success is more clearly defined and measured as well. It also allows you, or makes you think smarter about your business enabling you to take your idea further, or on a larger track if so desired.
That process isn't only relegated to the business world either. You can and should use it in everyday life. Let's look at an example...
Two different families think about taking the family to Disney World next year. Both need to save for it because neither will have the disposable income come next fall.
One family marks it on the calendar and says "We think we can make this happen, we'll discuss it after the holidays". The other starts the process.
IDEA: We want to take the family to Disneyland next fall.
Objective: Have enough money and time to be able to do so
Strategy: Cut expenses, earn more money
tactics: Less eating out, smaller birthday parties for the kids, get a part time job, have a garage sale, sell other things on ebay/ craigslist/ classified ads, smaller Christmas this year
Which family do you think has the better chance of getting to Disney world next fall? The family that started the process is almost halfway there. They still have questions to ask, such as how much will the trip actually cost, what options are available, how long can they go, how much will they have to save/ earn/ etc, to make it happen. But the process has been started, and they are building a road map to achieve a stated goal.
Now, nothing gets done without doing the work. The process however, defines the work that is needed. It doesn't create unnecessary work, rather it clearly defines the work that is needed to achieve your goals.
The best small businesses utilize this process everyday. Whether they want to expand, add a product line, build a larger building, add more employees, whatever. The process allows them to do it intelligently and do it smarter.
If you have an idea (I don't know anyone who hasn't spoken about something they wanted to do as a business), start to think about it in this way. You'll be amazed how real it becomes.
When someone gets an idea in their head, and really focuses on the possibilities, the outcome only becomes dependent on effort. The freedoms we have within this country make the success of these ideas possible. Not the success, but the ability to achieve that success. But why are some successful and some aren't? It's the process put in place to achieve the end game.
In my travels this past week, I ran into 4 specific people from my past. All had spent years embarking on a journey to see their ideas come to a realization. In all cases they were ideas turned into business opportunities. One was a product, two were a service, and the 4th was based on delivering content to the masses. What they are isn't important. What is important is the approach they all took to achieve their goals.
In all cases strategies where defined, objectives where stated, and tactics where implemented to realize their goals surrounding their IDEA. The highlighted statement is what all four spoke about WITHOUT using those specific words.
It's a process that is utilized everyday by the most successful businesses/companies/people. It's a process that gives the idea the most chance at success. In fact if you can define each one, the only way you fail is if you don't do the work. It's what separates the successful from the ones that never really achieve full potential.
It simplifies the complex to allow results in the most efficient manner. It's what I see everyday in local business. It's how they win. It's how they are successful, proven time and time again.
When an idea, goal or initiative is approached in this manner, success is easier achieved. More importantly, success is more clearly defined and measured as well. It also allows you, or makes you think smarter about your business enabling you to take your idea further, or on a larger track if so desired.
That process isn't only relegated to the business world either. You can and should use it in everyday life. Let's look at an example...
Two different families think about taking the family to Disney World next year. Both need to save for it because neither will have the disposable income come next fall.
One family marks it on the calendar and says "We think we can make this happen, we'll discuss it after the holidays". The other starts the process.
IDEA: We want to take the family to Disneyland next fall.
Objective: Have enough money and time to be able to do so
Strategy: Cut expenses, earn more money
tactics: Less eating out, smaller birthday parties for the kids, get a part time job, have a garage sale, sell other things on ebay/ craigslist/ classified ads, smaller Christmas this year
Which family do you think has the better chance of getting to Disney world next fall? The family that started the process is almost halfway there. They still have questions to ask, such as how much will the trip actually cost, what options are available, how long can they go, how much will they have to save/ earn/ etc, to make it happen. But the process has been started, and they are building a road map to achieve a stated goal.
Now, nothing gets done without doing the work. The process however, defines the work that is needed. It doesn't create unnecessary work, rather it clearly defines the work that is needed to achieve your goals.
The best small businesses utilize this process everyday. Whether they want to expand, add a product line, build a larger building, add more employees, whatever. The process allows them to do it intelligently and do it smarter.
If you have an idea (I don't know anyone who hasn't spoken about something they wanted to do as a business), start to think about it in this way. You'll be amazed how real it becomes.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Conshy Has a New Gig!
Conshy has a new venue for all you bar hoppers out there! Actually, that statement is pretty unfair to the new place that opened last Friday. It's more than just a "bar". I think it will redefine Conshy and it's night life.
8 East opened up in the same spot that E.Y. Toads use to occupy. Let me tell you... it's no Toad's.
Bob Storti and Brad Craig figured at some point in their life they would like to open a restaurant/ bar and provide a hip and fun place for the local community. I can tell you personally that Conshy has never seen anything like this. It's certainly not the standard fair that has occupied Conshy in the past.
After 4 years of work and more than $500, 000 in renovations, Bob and Brad have realized their dream. I was at opening night on Friday and the place was a madhouse. With two bars and two dining areas (one each, both upstairs and one downstairs) the place is Bangin'! Seriously, look at the pics below.
The menu is fantastic and more than reasonable. I had the Black and Bleu sliders and were unbelievable. The bar is stocked with top shelf liquors and a multitude of beers as well.
"We really wanted a very modern and hip place for people to come out and enjoy. We worked really hard to make it exactly as we envisioned it.", said Bob Storti.
The pride these guys took is evident in the design and construction of the entire place. In fact, the work was done solely by the partners. Having a background in contracting helps, and being someone who used to go to Toads every so often, I can tell you that the work they did is really unbelievable. Make plans to go to this place. You won't be disappointed!
Andrew Davis, a frequent Conshy visitor from Manayunk said, "Seriously, we've been waiting for a place like this to open in Conshy. It's really nice, in a great location, and rivals a city bar in it's atmosphere and design."
I spoke to several patrons there and all were more than satisfied. It's been a long time coming, and now you can finally experience it yourself!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Catalyst Marketers... Innovation at its best
One of the most granular questions about starting a business is what value does the product or service offering you are selling bring to the market place? What is it about that product or service that will stand out above your competitors?
Ryan Taft, founder of Catalyst Marketers in Chalfont, PA asked himself that question before starting his company.
"I had a really big desire to show local and small business how to take advantage of technology and new media to help grow their business", said Ryan.
With the emergence of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare, businesses really have the ability to gain more advertising for virtually no cost, that may have cost thousands of dollars in the past utilizing more traditional methods.
In fact, they've become so popular, that if your company isn't utilizing these tools, you're way behind the curve, and allowing your competitors to get out ahead of you. Of course, as a small business owner, when you finally decide to sit down and research all of the possibilities, it gets a little frightening. How are you going to learn to do this? Who are you going to get to continue providing content, update status' and constantly tweet?
This is exactly where Catalyst comes in. Ryan started Catalyst Marketers to help small & mid-sized businesses use Social Media and other online marketing tools to reach more customers and prospects, build relationships with those folks, and ultimately drive sales.
Currently Catalyst Clients range from Central Bucks Family YMCA in Doylestown, to National Retail Products producers, and even a slew of auto dealerships. Catalyst Clients outsource their online marketing efforts to Catalyst Marketers. A team of experts in all forms of online marketing, which were brought together to form a virtual partnership that is Catalyst Marketers, help clients build their Online Marketing Plan, as well as, execute their online marketing tactics.
For example, Catalyst Marketers writes blog articles, manages foursquare, Facebook, Twitter, & Flickr, and develops a monthly eNewsletter for Central Bucks Family YMCA. Instead of hiring a team of Marketing employees, which come with salaries, benefits, & tax expenses, the Y outsources this work to Catalyst. The secret to Catalyst's success is that they integrate themselves with each & every client, which makes clients feel like they are part of the internal team. This allows the relationship to thrive.
Most of the online tools out there are 100% free. It simply takes time to learn what tools are out there and available to you, as well as, time to create a plan for using those tools effectively for your business. Business owners who lack the time to do it themselves can find strategic partners like Catalyst Marketers to help them with their Online Marketing efforts.
The coolest thing for me about Catalyst? It's a local business. Check them out. You're business can't wait!
Ryan Taft, founder of Catalyst Marketers in Chalfont, PA asked himself that question before starting his company.
"I had a really big desire to show local and small business how to take advantage of technology and new media to help grow their business", said Ryan.
With the emergence of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare, businesses really have the ability to gain more advertising for virtually no cost, that may have cost thousands of dollars in the past utilizing more traditional methods.
In fact, they've become so popular, that if your company isn't utilizing these tools, you're way behind the curve, and allowing your competitors to get out ahead of you. Of course, as a small business owner, when you finally decide to sit down and research all of the possibilities, it gets a little frightening. How are you going to learn to do this? Who are you going to get to continue providing content, update status' and constantly tweet?
This is exactly where Catalyst comes in. Ryan started Catalyst Marketers to help small & mid-sized businesses use Social Media and other online marketing tools to reach more customers and prospects, build relationships with those folks, and ultimately drive sales.
Currently Catalyst Clients range from Central Bucks Family YMCA in Doylestown, to National Retail Products producers, and even a slew of auto dealerships. Catalyst Clients outsource their online marketing efforts to Catalyst Marketers. A team of experts in all forms of online marketing, which were brought together to form a virtual partnership that is Catalyst Marketers, help clients build their Online Marketing Plan, as well as, execute their online marketing tactics.
For example, Catalyst Marketers writes blog articles, manages foursquare, Facebook, Twitter, & Flickr, and develops a monthly eNewsletter for Central Bucks Family YMCA. Instead of hiring a team of Marketing employees, which come with salaries, benefits, & tax expenses, the Y outsources this work to Catalyst. The secret to Catalyst's success is that they integrate themselves with each & every client, which makes clients feel like they are part of the internal team. This allows the relationship to thrive.
Most of the online tools out there are 100% free. It simply takes time to learn what tools are out there and available to you, as well as, time to create a plan for using those tools effectively for your business. Business owners who lack the time to do it themselves can find strategic partners like Catalyst Marketers to help them with their Online Marketing efforts.
The coolest thing for me about Catalyst? It's a local business. Check them out. You're business can't wait!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Best of 2010!
Every year the Times Herald publishes a "Best of Montco" list that highlights those local businesses and institutions that are voted best by their staff, the community, and polls that are offered in the paper every so often throughout the year.
You can see the article here.
You can see the complete list here.
Everything from the best attorneys to the best electricians to the best bars are on this list.
It is a great resource for everything you need and highlights LOCAL businesses throughout our area.
Take a look at the list and show your support for these businesses that have done a fantastic job serving the community!
You can see the article here.
You can see the complete list here.
Everything from the best attorneys to the best electricians to the best bars are on this list.
It is a great resource for everything you need and highlights LOCAL businesses throughout our area.
Take a look at the list and show your support for these businesses that have done a fantastic job serving the community!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Poker is FUN!
First, let me apologize for being a tad absent. The moral of the story is don't get tonsillitis when your over 21 (or even 40). It incapacitates you and they lied to you by saying you get all the ice cream you want!
I'm better now, so let's get on with it :)
Unless you have lived under a rock, you know that Poker became very VERY popular around 2003. Back then, you couldn't turn on the TV without seeing a show that was running a poker championship event, a cash game, or a celebrity poker game. At least 5 movies came out about poker, and everyone and their brother (and sisters) decided to jump in and play Texas Hold'em.
Well for the last 6 years, Riverchasers Entertainment has been providing free to enter Texas Hold'em tournaments in bars and restaurants throughout our area. "We started out taking advantage of the poker boom and were very successful. We built a huge following and acquired a lot of venues who wanted our service. By offering our games, we were able to attract anywhere from 35 to over 100 people a night to any game we held and that held a lot of value to our clients.", said Andrew Griffith, Vice President of Operations, and who has been with the company since the first year.
Riverchasers is like any other form of bar entertainment where the venue (or client) pays RC a fee to host their service for a night. Most venues sign on for a weekly game and their average tenure is over 2 1/5 years. Players can just show up to play, earn points, and qualify for Riverchasers trimester Tournament of Champions. There, players can compete for a chance at much larger prizes such as buy-ins to real casino poker tournaments. They also have numerous other qualifying events throughout the year where players can earn other larger prizes.
Riverchasers has awarded 5 World Series of Poker Main event seats in the last 6 years and numerous buy-ins to tournaments at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Those buy-ins range from $500 to $5,000 entries to real tournaments. "playing free poker on any night of the week and having a chance to win buy-ins to these tournaments is a ridiculous value. If you win a seat into a $1,000 tournament in a real casino, first place in those tournies can reach $200 thousand!", said Tom McMenamin, an avid player of the tour.
Riverchasers isn't only for the hard core player. Most players who attend played their first game of Texas Hold'em at a Riverchasers game. It is a totally social game and they consider themselves the largest social poker network in the state. You can even get lessons before your first game at any venue you attend.
As far as legalities go, Riverchasers works closely with the LCB to ensure that they are operating within the guidelines of the law. The games are free to enter so no gambling is taking place.
In addition to their bar games, Riverchasers also provides corporate and marketing events. They do everything from company holiday parties to large monte carlo nights for local business looking to attract people to their place of business.
To find out how to get involved, just visit their website. There you will find a nightly schedule of events of where you can play. Right now they service all of the Delaware, Lehigh and Cumberland Valleys, and are starting to expand. The website also boasts a forum where you can converse with other players, pick up information on special events, and even find out where you stand among the other players in the field.
The popularity of poker hasn't died off at all. Riverchasers has a database of over 35,000 players to prove that! Get out and enjoy the fun!
I'm better now, so let's get on with it :)
Unless you have lived under a rock, you know that Poker became very VERY popular around 2003. Back then, you couldn't turn on the TV without seeing a show that was running a poker championship event, a cash game, or a celebrity poker game. At least 5 movies came out about poker, and everyone and their brother (and sisters) decided to jump in and play Texas Hold'em.
Well for the last 6 years, Riverchasers Entertainment has been providing free to enter Texas Hold'em tournaments in bars and restaurants throughout our area. "We started out taking advantage of the poker boom and were very successful. We built a huge following and acquired a lot of venues who wanted our service. By offering our games, we were able to attract anywhere from 35 to over 100 people a night to any game we held and that held a lot of value to our clients.", said Andrew Griffith, Vice President of Operations, and who has been with the company since the first year.
Riverchasers is like any other form of bar entertainment where the venue (or client) pays RC a fee to host their service for a night. Most venues sign on for a weekly game and their average tenure is over 2 1/5 years. Players can just show up to play, earn points, and qualify for Riverchasers trimester Tournament of Champions. There, players can compete for a chance at much larger prizes such as buy-ins to real casino poker tournaments. They also have numerous other qualifying events throughout the year where players can earn other larger prizes.
Riverchasers has awarded 5 World Series of Poker Main event seats in the last 6 years and numerous buy-ins to tournaments at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Those buy-ins range from $500 to $5,000 entries to real tournaments. "playing free poker on any night of the week and having a chance to win buy-ins to these tournaments is a ridiculous value. If you win a seat into a $1,000 tournament in a real casino, first place in those tournies can reach $200 thousand!", said Tom McMenamin, an avid player of the tour.
Riverchasers isn't only for the hard core player. Most players who attend played their first game of Texas Hold'em at a Riverchasers game. It is a totally social game and they consider themselves the largest social poker network in the state. You can even get lessons before your first game at any venue you attend.
As far as legalities go, Riverchasers works closely with the LCB to ensure that they are operating within the guidelines of the law. The games are free to enter so no gambling is taking place.
In addition to their bar games, Riverchasers also provides corporate and marketing events. They do everything from company holiday parties to large monte carlo nights for local business looking to attract people to their place of business.
To find out how to get involved, just visit their website. There you will find a nightly schedule of events of where you can play. Right now they service all of the Delaware, Lehigh and Cumberland Valleys, and are starting to expand. The website also boasts a forum where you can converse with other players, pick up information on special events, and even find out where you stand among the other players in the field.
The popularity of poker hasn't died off at all. Riverchasers has a database of over 35,000 players to prove that! Get out and enjoy the fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)