Local Holiday Guide!

Selasa, 14 Desember 2010
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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rabu, 24 November 2010
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!

It's the process man!

Sabtu, 13 November 2010
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.