Retail Giving

/ inkspeare

The title of this post may seem a contradiction, but it is not. If you deal with customers or clients, you are probably very excited/happy every time you make a sale. It is the natural reaction; however, do you go the extra mile to deliver the same happiness and excitement to your customer/client? I hope you do. Once it is time to deliver the goods, do you take care of the presentation? Do you give something extra to the customer/client or do you deliver just what he/she paid for when the order was placed?

Going the extra mile for a client/customer is important to your business/brand whether you sell products, services, or entertainment. It is what the client perceives at the other end when he/she receives the goods that will determine repeat sales, and “word of mouth.” One of my retail customers emailed with this comment – “Love it! Just opening the package was a fun experience. Thank you!”  I don’t have to tell you that this made my day, because having that praise from a customer meant that my efforts to show that I care, were perceived.  It was perceived in the delivery of the goods, the product, and even in the package presentation.

What things can you do to wow your customers/clients?  There are a few that I practice all the time.

  • Answer emails promptly.
  • Ship/deliver the goods as soon as possible.
  • Never overcharge a client (including the shipping charges).
  • If shipping happens to be a bit less than quoted, refund the difference.
  • Present your brand in a consistent manner.
  • Wrap the item in an attractive and safe way.
  • Presentation of the goods should be beautiful and neat.
  • Include a little extra as a thank you gift or a coupon for next purchase or both.
  • Always thank the customer, whether with a thank you note or a quick email.  I prefer a pretty thank you note.
  • Let the customer know that you have shipped the goods and provide a tracking number or any other pertinent information.
  • Follow up with the customer/client when he/she emails you back.

These things are simple to do and tell the customer/client that he/she is appreciated and in good hands in the future.  They should become second nature to you as you keep practicing them.  There are many other ways in which you can give to your clients.  It is a matter of using your imagination and enjoying the process.

I hope this post was of help whether you sell goods, services, or words.

Thank You Ado Bajic – The Daily Rant

/ inkspeare / 3 Comments

I was very honored and humbled by receiving the Liebster Blog Award – Thank you Ado Bajic from The Daily Rant.  Thank you for reading and considering Inkspeare worth of receiving it.  I don’t take these awards lightly.  I am always happy to know that someone found inspiration in one of my posts.  That makes me happy; and that is all I want – to be able to share and inspire others. I hope I get the rules for the award right.  Here they are.

  • List 11 random facts about me.
  • Nominate 11 other bloggers and their blogs.
  • Notify these bloggers of the award.
  • Ask the award winners  to answer 11 questions when they accept the Liebster Award.
  • I answer the questions left for me, from the blogger that gave me the award.

11 Random Facts About Me

  1. I am a vegetarian.
  2. I love avocado.
  3. I can’t have enough coffee.
  4. I love Purple.
  5. I love Owls.
  6. I am nuts about cats.
  7. I don’t welcome negativity or whining.
  8. I love black and white movies.
  9. I like to watch birds and take pictures of them.
  10. I like to observe people, not so much take pictures of them.
  11. I am addicted to pens and pencils, and stationery.

The Nominees are …

  1. Abominations
  2. Belle Grove Plantation
  3. Cocina de Nihacc
  4. She’s Losing It!
  5. The Kitchen’s Garden
  6. The Jittery Goat
  7. Gallivance
  8. Enchantments of a Beautiful Mind
  9. Michelle Proulx – The Blog
  10. Le Zoe Musings
  11. Old World Garden Farms

These are 11 of my favorite blogs that inspire me in different ways.  I know I have mentioned some of them before, in random posts here and there.  Some are more recent blogs that I have started to follow, and so far I love them very much. It is up to the nominees to answer the questions – I know some people do not like to get too personal or want to keep their information to a minimum. So I set you free to do as you wish 🙂 with your nomination. Answering questions is not required in my book.

11 Questions for the Award Winners (only if you feel like playing along)

  1. What is your favorite book?
  2. What is your favorite ink color?
  3. Favorite Author?
  4. Favorite writing snack?
  5. Favorite poem?
  6. Inspirational Moment
  7. Why did you chose your blog theme?
  8. What jumpstart your creativity?
  9. Best day(s) for writing/blogging
  10. Define in a few words “the simple life.”
  11. Favorite Holiday

Questions Left for Me

  1. How serious are you about your writing?  Writing is my life.
  2. Where do you face while showering, towards the shower head or away from it?  Both ways.
  3. Do you like sports?  I don’t like sports, although I enjoy watching a few – car racing, surfing, snowboarding, for example.
  4. What is your favorite book?  Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is my favorite book.
  5. What makes you angry?  Liars and Bigots make me angry.
  6. What is your happiest memory?  My Grandma telling me a story.
  7. Blue or Green?  Green.
  8. Up or Down? Up.
  9. Do you think the last two questions matter?  Yes.
  10. Would you like to get this award?  Yes.

And here is a picture of the award

liebster-blog-award

The Second Truth

/ inkspeare

Truth – 1. Conformity to knowledge, fact, or actuality; veracity.  2. Something that is the case; the real state of affairs.  3. Reality; actuality.  4. A statement proven to be or accepted as true.  5. Sincerity; honesty. – American Heritage Dictionary

By looking at the above definition of truth, one will think that truth is one-sided, as we have traditionally learned to believe.  “There is only one truth” is a phrase that we have heard many times, and possibly agreed with it.  I say, we should consider a second truth, not only when the first truth does not suffice, but always.  To illustrate this point, let me relate to you something I overheard this morning at the post office.  This post was inspired by that conversation.

A man was talking to the clerk about a problem with his red mustang (later I saw the man at the parking lot pulling out in the new model).  Apparently, something had been wrong with it and the mechanic took time figuring out what it was.  The man was making these comments, feeling certain that he knew the truth.

Mustang Man – “These mechanics know nothing these days.  They cannot figure out the problem unless they hook the car to a machine.  I remember when good mechanics used to know what was wrong with the car just by listening to it – blah, blah, blah …”

Mustang Man continued to share his wisdom and the more truth he felt he shared the better he seemed to feel, and he left the post office smiling and wishing the clerk a great day.  The clerk seemed to agree with him as well.  I was smiling, and Mustang Man smiled and gestured a good-bye to me.  However, I was smiling, not because I agreed with his truth, but because I knew of a second truth.  There, I saw how truth is based on our own experiences and the knowledge we have at the moment of a particular subject.

My truth – My truth is based on different information and knowledge of the subject.  See, I am married to a mechanic, and by default, a lot of the knowledge has trickled down to me.  Many times, I find myself in conversation with my sister, and she tells me – “the mechanic just told me what you just thought it may be.”  I laugh because, in 25 years of marriage, I have become a sponge, learning little bits by osmosis.  Through my husband I have learned that today’s cars are not even a shadow of what cars where many years ago – possibly the time -frame Mustang Man was talking about.  Today’s cars are computerized beasts full of software and sensors that depend on one another, like a steampunk symphony, one thing affecting the other but not necessarily becoming a part of it.  Today’s mechanics are more knowledgeable in terms of absorbing and learning more information, and knowing different systems, than yesteryear mechanics.  They need to learn software, and learn to use it to be able to diagnose a car properly.  Today’s computerized beasts are more than motor and spark, therefore requiring precise computerized adjustments.  With so many sensors and software systems, one little issue may trigger another, and therefore making it more difficult to diagnose.  This would be impossible to do by a yesteryear mechanic  or a.k.a. Mustang Man’s hero.

Another issue with today’s systems is that they keep changing at fast pace, as technology changes, and the consumer seems to want more “bells and whistles” and comforts.  This creates the need for better trained mechanics who undergo continuing education through their jobs.  High end cars, have very sophisticated computerized systems, that only become available to lower end models later on, or by special order – depending on the maker.

According to Mustang Man’s truth, which was based on old-fashion knowledge of automotive systems and an admiration for the good ole’ mechanic, today’s mechanics know nothing.  According to my truth, which is based on more current information on automotive systems and my admiration for my mechanic hubby, today’s mechanics are more knowledgeable and educated.  Two truths that are completely opposite and both influenced by the observer/participant experience.

And that is why you should always consider the second truth – learn, explore, inform yourself, and then make up your mind, before uttering your only truth.

English: Own Work, Public Domain School in Col...

English: Own Work, Public Domain School in Columbus Avenue, New York, NY, USA. Category:Images of automobiles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Celebrating Anne Rymer BOOCRAFT – Watercolors Friday

/ inkspeare / 4 Comments

Hello!

Today I am very happy to dedicate our celebration to a very special Artist – Anne Rymer.  Anne is also the owner of BOOCRAFT, and she resides in Cornwall, UK.  I love her paintings and I have acquired some of them.  Her watercolors are full of magic, happy days, and I totally love the unexpected whimsical details in them, as well as the colors she uses.  One of the things I love about her paintings is that there is always movement in her subjects and landscapes – from cats and witches, to country folk, to seaside and rivers … Her inspiration is the rich history of the lovely Cornwall, a place that seems magical.  Her favorite poem is “Warning” by Jenny Joseph.  Instead of me telling you her story, I will share with you what she has to say,

“Cornwall is my inspiration. Through my artist’s eye I try to portray the magical atmosphere of this beautiful part of England.  A lady from America wrote to me that she wished she could live in one of my paintings!  I suppose that is how I feel when I’m being creative, I go into the picture completely and It is an alternative world!

My home is so high up the buzzards fly past level with my window! This is where I paint, in my studio that overlooks the beautiful Tamar valley.  There is an old church in the middle distance and patchworks of fields and ancient woodlands that stretch across the valley. Through this the River Tamar winds its way past Morwellham Quay, this is where the “Edwardian Farm” was filmed last year.

I am forever bringing home hurt little creatures.  I even once had a large raven with a damaged wing, which eventually flew away.  It stayed with me quite happily while it recovered.  I think they must know they can trust folk like us.” – Anne Rymer

I want to share with you pictures of some of the paintings I acquired from the Artist.  If you want to see more of her work, you may visit her shop BOOCRAFT.

AR1

AR2

AR3

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misty2a

I thank Anne Rymer for her time, and for being my guest today.

Happy Watercolors Friday everyone! I hope that you enjoyed today’s celebration, and please, take a little time to view more of her awesome art. – it is mesmerizing 🙂

Note: Anne’s shop will be shut from next Sunday May 5th until Monday May 13th.

Let Me Let You In On a Secret

/ inkspeare / 2 Comments

All good things must be shared, so I am sharing this bit of information that is great for business owners and authors who work hard at marketing and promoting their business.  I have looked at several print services for some promotional items for my novels – rack cards, pens … and decided to use Vistaprint since they had a variety of items.  Well, I am glad that I chose them because I got so many great coupons and discount offers from them that I could not believe it at first.

To give you an example, on my last 2 orders for promotional items for my business all I had to pay for was the shipping, and I got 10 items free of charge.  I got a lawn sign, 10 sheets of stationery, 25 magnets, 50 rack cards, 140 address labels, 50 rack cards for my business, 50 rack cards for my novel, and another 50 rack cards for my other novel on a separate order.  All these items were free of charge, and all I had to pay for was the shipping.  For small business owners and entrepreneurs, it does not get better than that.  You might be thinking, was I overcharged for shipping? Not at all, shipping was what it usually is, and you can select to receive it sooner, the next day, or in 2 weeks, like I did.  Right now, I have more than 5 coupons between mail and emails with great deals, which I will probably use before they expire.  I am not promoting Vistaprint; I am just letting you know my experience so far, since I know many of you are authors and writers on a tight budget, and it is always good to know where to get the good deals.  I used to print all my promo items by myself – flyers, business cards … but the cost of ink and paper has proven to be more expensive than ordering out, and the printing quality is better.  Adding all these amazing coupons and offers, the cost is considerably less than doing it myself.  I still keep my designs in case one day I run out and need to print something quick.

So far, the quality of items has been great.  I am waiting for these last items to see their quality.  I think it will be great; so far I have been happy with the items .  This is all I wanted to share for today, and I will update you on this with a post and pics, once I get the stuff.

I hope that this post was of use to you.

 

Reminder:

I will be giving away three copies of Ramblings of the Spirit, the first book of the trilogy The Dinorah Chronicles.  To enter for a chance to win one of the three copies, just like my Facebook page (link at the right of the screen on this blog) and that is all you have to do.  I will announce the three winners on May 20, which is the birth date of the person to whom I have dedicated this book – my maternal grandmother.

Don’t Buy Ivory

/ inkspeare

THIS IS A REBLOG. I found this blog post from ArchangelTravel very interesting and important to travelers, so I am sharing it here today. As you know, I care about this planet, and think that every action, big or small determines the fate of Earth. Here ArchangelTravel made what it may seem as a simple shopping choice; however the impact on this planet is immense. Just think about it.

Celebrating Turtle and Robot – Watercolors Friday

/ inkspeare

This is our second Watercolors Friday, and I was just thinking about how much I loved watercolors when I was a kid (still do), even when I made a mess of water and pigment – Hey, I like that name for a blog “Water and Pigment.”  Getting back to what I was writing, childhood is a very magical time,  it should be, and as much as I  liked watercolors, I also loved reading, and following people around with pen in hand, pretending that I was an investigator (probably influenced by The Three Investigators).  This is why today, I want to celebrate a special blog – Turtle and Robot

Turtle and Robot is about children’s books reviews. The blogger (Jennifer Lavonier) reviews children’s books of all kinds and ages – from picture books, to board books, to books for early readers, middle readers, and young adults. She is a collector of these books, as well as a seller.  In her blog, she writes about those books that she loves. The blog has a very happy and lively design, representing the topic of children.  She talks about the books but also offers gorgeous pictures (the blog is a feast for the eyes) and tells you a bit about the author of the featured book as well.

I hope that you stop by this wonderful blog, especially if you have little ones, and want to know more about what is out there and get some new ideas as far as more great books for kids, as well as classics, and coming from a knowledgeable source, as this blogger has been in the field of children’s books for some time.

I hope that you enjoyed this post. Happy Watercolors Friday to all!

Ramblings of the Spirit Giveaway

/ inkspeare / 2 Comments

I will be giving away three copies of Ramblings of the Spirit, the first book of the trilogy The Dinorah Chronicles.  To enter for a chance to win one of the three copies, just like my Facebook page (link at the right of the screen on this blog) and that is all you have to do.  I will announce the three winners on May 20, which is the birth date of the person to whom I have dedicated this book – my maternal grandmother.

Ramblings of the Spirit is a story about the conflict between Duty, Friendship, and Love. In this paranormal romance, Dinorah Sandbeck, an introverted young librarian, resents her Human-Anarth origins and must find a way to fulfill her birthright duty while keeping the secret. As she learns the Anarth ways, she must follow the teachings of an ancient tome, but she falls in love with James Casey, a journalist, and she struggles to keep her secret safe. She must learn to fight her archenemy Hael and The Other Side, but most of all, she must fight herself. In this battle of Self, Love, and Duty, winning is the least of her concerns.

Excerpt – “I picked up the book again and slowly placed it on my bed. I was not sure if opening it or let it be. I laughed at myself. The impression of the dream was so real in my mind that I thought I felt the book’s heartbeat. I turned to go to the kitchen when I heard a thump. I looked back; the book had opened. This time, I mustered the courage to look at the page. It was the page of the boy and the serpent; however, the image had changed. Now, I was looking at my dream. Spilled all over the ground were human hearts; next to the boy, I saw a key, and next to it a heart with wings that seemed to bleed. I grabbed the loupe from the nightstand to inspect the picture. There were initials printed on the heart – DS. What could it mean? Only one thing came to mind – Dinorah Sandbeck” – Chapter 21 – The Thump of the Bleeding Hearts.

 

Book trailer

 

 

 

That was just a bit about the book, and here is a picture of what the lucky winners will be getting – a copy of the book and bookmarks.  If you want the chance to win a copy, please follow the link on this blog to like my Facebook page and enter the giveaway.  Ramblings of the Spirit is available in ebook or paperback through Amazon.

 

THE DINORAH CHRONICLES - RAMBLINGS OF THE SPIRIT - Book 1

THE DINORAH CHRONICLES – RAMBLINGS OF THE SPIRIT – Book 1

 

🙂 Cheers and Good Luck!

 

 

 

Announcing Watercolor Fridays

/ inkspeare
English: A palette of watercolours and a brush...

English: A palette of watercolours and a brush. Deutsch: Wasserfarben und Pinsel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, I announce the first Watercolor Friday on this blog, and hopefully, many more will follow.  What is Watercolor Fridays? Well, every Friday I will celebrate other blogs, other’s achievements, inspire or gift something, whatever that might be at the time – a book, info, art … It is my way to celebrate this beautiful place we call home, our planet, and this wonderful community of writers/bloggers.  Each one of us is like a small piece of watercolored paper scattered on Earth, and each one of us have something to contribute, a picture to paint in our journey, and of course to be celebrated, and hopefully, our colors will run into one another, thus enjoying what each one of us has to offer. I hope that you get to enjoy Watercolor Fridays.

To start our first Watercolor Friday, I want to celebrate and share with you five awesome blogs that I have read for a while and hopefully, you will get to know and visit them.  I call them my oldies. Here they are.

  1.  http://marcschuster.wordpress.com/ This blog is from author Marc Schuster and is called Abominations.  It is a place where you will find humor, art, information, and writer’s insight.  I recommend his latest novel The Grievers, you will love it, hopefully as much as I did. It is an awesome book.
  2. http://jitterygt.wordpress.com/ The Jittery Goat will certainly take you by surprise with its unique humor or seriousness, and sometimes, a tiny healthy dose of cynicism, but other times, be prepare to take this blogger’s honest opinion – whether you agree with it or not, shocking or not.  And this is precisely, what makes The Jittery Goat different, and not sugar-coated.  This blog is certainly worth visiting and will sometimes take you to a place in time, with vivid descriptions in the unique style of this author.
  3. http://rosekate.me/ I call this blog a blog of beauty.  I have enjoyed the images of this photographer for some time, and this was one of the first blogs I started following, and do till’ today.  The images here are a celebration of life.  I am sure that you will enjoy it.
  4. http://fromacountrycottage.wordpress.com/ I followed this blog as former blog Arignagardener, it has moved to Fromacountrycottage.  I recommend this blog to lovers of country living, simple living, and organic living.  There is always something good to read and awesome pictures.  During the process of it moving, I missed a few posts, since I had to follow the new blog and had forgotten to do so, then realized that I was missing its posts. Glad I got back to it.
  5. http://anunrefinedvegan.com/ This is one of the first blogs I followed and I still visit.  Here, you will find great vegan recipes and organic tips, as well as the appetizing pictures of these yummy recipes, which the blogger prepares herself most of the time.  It is an awesome blog for vegans but also vegetarians, and pretty much anyone who wants to learn to eat healthier but at the same time yummy.

Well, these are my five oldies that I am celebrating today to commence Watercolor Fridays.  Hope you enjoy these as much as I do or more 🙂

REBLOGGED You ARE Beautiful

/ inkspeare

REBLOG FROM SIMPLE TOM

I enjoyed this video on his blog and as he points out, everyone needs to see it, as indeed it is a powerful message; therefore, I am sharing it, and hope that you keep sharing it as well. 🙂

thomasmaxwell12's avatarSimple Tom

Please share this on your blog and with everyone. This is such a POWERFUL message and everyone needs to hear this! Its so incredibly powerful in shaping the way that we see ourselves.

– So that you TRULY see yourself as the beautiful person you are.

Please share this.

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