64 Channels and Nothing On...

I think that's the name of the song. Someone over 50, who has relied solely on the yellowpages, was asking about internet marketing, about where do you start and how does it all work. I forgot that it can be overwhelming for those who haven't grown up with it, or who waited to jump in and now it just seems like a foreign language. I tried my best to explain social networking sites as television stations, the 4 main sites similiar to the 4 main networks. You can put your self, your business, your content on for free, but it is worthless unless you get people to watch. So, creating the representation is the first piece of the puzzle. Just because this is free, doesn't mean its easy, especially if the internet and phrases like upload, digital feed, and metadata are new and unchartered territory. Then you have your second piece of the puzzle and that's getting "viewers". We are all still looking for ways to do that successfully (unless you are a celebrity) and I think we will see some intense new marketing trends come out this question. But this is something that doesn't cost a lot of money to outsource (like me for $350 a month or $200 per project),but the results WILL blow up your business! Make no mistake, the yellowpages and the trusty billboard outside of town will generate an increase of 10-15% over a 2-3 year period. Strong internet presence will increase your bottom line 50-75% within 6 months. 6 MONTHS! My only concern is that the people that need me....probably aren't reading a blog!

325 Million--What Would You Do?

My husband just sent me a text that the Texas MegaMillion Lottery is up to $325,000,000! That got me thinking about what that would buy me. Its not the expensive toys and excessively priced jewelry, clothes and cars, but the freedom I keep talking about. I want the kids to go to school, and for my parents to be able to retire and for my husband and I to enjoy each other and to do the things that every couple dream of, like travel and build a dream house and own a business! But if the lottery doesn't come through, can I reach those goals one at a time? Can you put kids through college by being really dedicated to a change jar? Can you buy some cheap houses and be a land lord in lue of a 401K? What's the answer and when I find out, do I have the smarts to pull it off? I am working on so many different things and I just want a simple outcome...I want to be free of financial concerns, and for my family to be free, as well. I didn't know what this blog was going to be when I started it, but now I do--its a journey, about what works and what doesn't. And if I pick up $325,000,000 along the way, I will hire someone to let you all know about it. :) For those that follow me, please know that I am legit and I am talented and if there is a need by you or someone you know for marketing, sales, public relations, event planning, project management or interior design (whew!), I'm your gal! I'm your passionate, driven, over the top gal! Keep me in mind! Thanks!...(OH! And I have pictures! I have done over 300 weddings, and decorated 4 homes...and I have pictures! Can't believe I almost forgot that!)

Not Afraid of Working, Just Afraid of Missing Out

I have been absent for a few days, absent from work, and home and everything in general. My mother was in ICU for some scary heart stuff and I needed to be as close to her as possible. This is what I mean by financial independence. Not unlimited wealth, but security in knowing that you can take some time for family health issues, or special events, or to catch up on your tivo without worrying about the money that you are losing. I have some good irons in the fire and I feel like passion and determination are always enough to make things happen. So let's say some affirming things in the mirror and believe it this time. Let's want it enough to bring it on. Who's with me?!

We are Ramping Up!

This is really exciting! I have the clients that I confirmed yesterday and a phone interview today to join forces with Coast 2 Coast Marketing. They are a national company that puts freelancers in touch with clients...and they have the money to put behind advertising! Plus, I've picked up some info on some tiny little side writing jobs to fill the gaps. In the sales industry, we called this "filling the pipeline". I worked out a pricing structure for some of the services, like building a Twitter account, acquiring at least 100 followers, and maintenance and updates for 6 mos for $950. Add facebook, and its only $1350. Heck of a deal! I'm thinking a la carte pricing is the way to go, both for clients with limited budgets and to maximize revenue for those clients that aren't. I'll keep you posted!

Quick Thoughts, and Maybe a Question or Two...

I wrote the blog, added some snazzy clip art, and called some contacts. Here's what we're looking at...an agreement to do ad sales and update/maintain online presence for 2 event venues, and a request for online sales of italian charm bracelets customized with personal pictures (cool) and some handmade rustic wooden frames...which I think would be very easy to diversify into some ready made art, but I digress. So, do I use this site for advertising the services I provide, or the products and venues, as well? I'm thinking both, but obviously maintain the customers website, as well. This way I can do some cross promotions. Hmmm, yes...this is gonna work great! Oh, and should my contact info be more clear?

EMAIL---solis620@hotmail.com

Thanks...that should do it!

MY RESUME....I think that's fair

OBJECTIVE
I have almost 15 years in the sales and marketing industry and am looking for the right opportunity to merge new technology and old fashioned relationships to build a strong customer base.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Regional Sales & Marketing Director - August 2009 - Present
United Hospitality Lawton, OK Sales and marketing manager over 6 limited service properties, with meeting space.
*Established and maintained all accounts for all properties.
*Created promotions and marketing campaigns through multi media channels.*Reviewed and analyzed market data for all properties and developed strategy as needed.*Implemented brand training initiatives and held regular staff meetings and events.
*Monitored web presence, created blogs, uploaded video content to promote the hotels.
Director of Sales and Marketing – February 2007 to July 2009
ZMC Hotels, Inc. Altus, OK Sales and marketing manager for two limited service properties, with meeting space.
*Established and maintained all accounts for both properties.
*Acted as revenue and yield manager.*Booked and serviced all banquet and meeting functions.*Executed marketing campaigns, promotions, and hotel packages.
*Implemented brand training initiatives and held regular staff meetings and events.
*Maintained property websites, and created web based marketing strategies, increasing
Occupancy and hotel visibility
Catering Services /Convention Services Mgr—January 2001 to January 2007
Quartz Mountain Resort Lone Wolf, OK Worked as Catering Sales and Convention Services Manager and created successful events through communication between guest and hotel.
* Opened hotel, and served as only sales manager until 2003.* Served as system administrator for both property management system and catering management system.* Handled detailing for all events held at hotel, and effectively communicated to all departments.* Conducted property tours and successfully sold property in all markets.* Created hotel sales office policies and procedures and assisted with training and auditing.* Responsible for catering forecasts and budgets each month and quarter. Worked with accounting department on regular basis to reconcile all group and event business.
Retail Merchandiser—September 1996 to June 2000
Cindy's Hallmark/Grinnell Pharmacy Hobart, OK Learned valuable sales, marketing, merchandising and business operation skills.
* Ordered merchandise and store supplies in accordance with customer demand and company budget.* Created store displays and managed inventory.* Assisted customers and developed important relationships and retention programs.
*Operated cash register and implemented Point of Sale technology before leaving position.


EDUCATION
Some College Coursework Completed, Journalism, Political Science,
University of Oklahoma Norman, OK
High School or equivalent, General Studies,
Norman High School Norman, OK
SKILLS Leadership, High Energy, Sales and Marketing

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS
Great Plains Country Association
I have had my seat on the Board of Directors since April of 2007, and have been on the Marketing Committee since May of 2008. I firmly believe in the work that this organization does to promote tourism in rural areas. We have traveled to a number of national trade shows and have partnered with the State Department to generate development and financial independence for over 30 small communities.
Altus Chamber of Commerce
I have worked closely with the Chamber director to establish the city's first Hotel Motel Association. Also, I am a Chamber Ambassador and work with the various businesses to promote their events.
Meetings Professionals International (MPI)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Like most, I stumbled into my sales career quite by accident. I quickly learned that I not only loved the industry, but I was good at it. I have excelled in opening and establishing front offices and sales offices at multiple properties. I have created new revenue records at a time that we were expected to fall short of budgeted numbers. I can create a team that is not only motivated, but skilled and strong in the idea of a team, and everybody has fun doing it. I like the kill of the sales industry, but I like the warm fuzzies of building personal relationships and I think it's that dichotomy that makes me awesome!

There's No Need to Fear...

I have worked for over 15 years in the hospitality industry, and I loved every minute of it! The best part of it was working with the planners, be they planning events or corporate meetings or weddings! I loved the moment when I saw their vision and we could be excited together. I have found that I spend hours with a client, giving them all of my best ideas on promoting their event. My bosses only want me to promote my hotels....so, "Simply Sold" is born! I want to take your idea, your event, your products to the next level. When I have spoken to clients about blogs, video uploads, twitter--there's always a look of panic on there face. Panic turns to interest when I share the statistics of online presence as it correlates to profit, but, inevitably when I see them months later, they say they haven't gotten into all that yet...just too overwhelming and not enough time. So...HERE I AM! Let's do this! Let's get excited about what your doing again! I don't know if what I'm offering is PR, Marketing or Sales, but I will tell you this-we will build a simple flash point report that shows where your sales/participants are now and if in 6 months, I haven't increased it by 25%, don't pay me. Simple as that. Ok...I'm excited now, hurry up and call me!