STARS: Promoting Your Event/Place With Stiff Competition

We have seen, especially just over the past week, how the little guy can beat the big guy in a financial war. Point is, things happen all the time for good that shouldn't in the eyes of some. 

Think about in the case of Borderlands having a huge sale during Super Bowl weekend. Now many haven't heard of Borderlands first off. Secondly, this is one of the hardest weekends to get folks to your store and not just due to COVID. Bath and Body Works has made their sales work for many years due to a number of factors: timing, zoning in on their key market and starting early and often. Trust me, they're planning already for their next big sale and how to promote it. 

I would definitely buy a small TV spot, as well as social media time. I would do this at the beginning of January. I know a month out is a decent time frame for allowing the masses to know. 

I would have a campaign to add and recruit as many people to my store and possible. Visibility is also important. I would have characters like the squiggly creature seen at car lots and Lady Liberty at tax preparation centers.  People don't know you exist if they can't see you. 

I would offer plenty of online deals as well and would extend the in-store sale to an online venue that lasts throughout February (peak tax season). One is first or last in this scenario. 

I would go to investors and brokers (speaking of that topic) and gain partnership and sponsorship. Everyone in the big city will not know what goes on in small towns and vice versa and I would want to bridge that gap. Modern stores such as Borderlands are finding themselves on the chopping blocks due to the online retail giants. 

I take my lessons learned from Belk and BiLo: adapt or cease to exist. I ensure my events and market are well informed before any huge event and beyond.

STARS: How To Properly Notify Someone of a Death

This is definitely one of those: "I don't know who needs to hear this but"

We have had several deaths in the past week alone. Informing the masses seems easy due to social media but you want to make sure all family and close friends know in a timely manner. 

Travel arrangements need to be looked into and made with COVID and time off in mind (for those that don't receive bereavement). Therefore, people should be informed no later than 48 hours after the death. 

I have experienced this way too many times. I realize it's a challenge if it's someone closer to you and/or a shock death. 

I would designate someone to contact all via call, text, group chat, etc. It should be that strong, rock of a family member or friend that does this. 

I would then ensure that it can be posted on social media. To me, no family member nor close friend should learn about a death on social media. Making that contact is paramount. 

I would then get the arrangements together and communicate in a similar fashion. Social media is more appropriate here. 

I would find a good bereavement counselor/professional. Many morticians are equipped for this. Utilize this service, especially since you are paying them. 

I then proceed to make arrangements with others accompaning me, set COVID guidelines and proceed with the planning.

I then see who was left out and why. I then encourage for better methods of communication from that point forward. 

STARS: How I have honored MLK Day over the years

MLK Day is growing more and more in significance, even during a pandemic. I now have the day off with pay for the first time in over 20 years. 

I've seen many honor his memory with community service, public events, candlelight vigils and prayer breakfasts. 

I do the #1 thing I feel I can do to honor him: I go to work if allowed. Now it's easier to do since I get paid double time. However, let's not forget what Dr. King fought for and that was equalty. Without him, I likely would not have the opportunity to be in a leadership role in a company not owned by a Black person. That has happened and I feel the least I can do is show up to work. 

I also post pictures, quotes and videos and really reflect on his legacy. This includes moments of silence, talking with others about his impact and how we plan to keep his dream alive. We are in a great time to do this since many still do not realize his dream is unfulfilled. There is work still yet to be completed.  

I have also did the vigils, community service and prayer breakfasts. Since we have COVID now and mass gatherings are unsafe, you can do these things virtual and in small numbers. Continue to give to deserving minority and advancement clauses.  I want to do stuff by showcasing what the Black race, as well as the human race, has accomplished due to Dr. King. We can't forget the Black experience as it effects the American experience. 

I have already seen a greater appreciation for his day just from my company making it a paid holiday. Also from BLM, Jane Elliott, John Lewis and Stacey Abrams to name a few. We have had a black president and will have a black female vice president.  Dr. King is very pleased and we definitely can't stop.