For You...About Me

It has recently been brought to my attention that I possibly have not let my readers know enough about myself. Be careful what you ask for! Here is the insight to Christy Barber, marketer, mom, animal lover. I began my marketing career after 22 years in the hair industry. I owned a salon and was one of the top two National Trainers for Alterna working closely under Michael Shaun Corby. Very rewarding. Very exhausting. I became involved in the dot com industry when I took a position as the GM for LaGrandeONLINE.com, where I still hold a position as a sales manager. From my experiences in both came knowledge and know how on how to help other businesses become successful. In turn, becoming a successful marketer myself. This is home. I love it. I have always lived by the philosophy that givers get. So sharing knowledge and learning from others is a huge passion of mine. I am a bit of a workaholic and my business sense has begun to rub off on my 14 year old son who already has plans to start an herbal business of his own. My daughter is a first year student at The Evergreen State College and is loving it. And then there is spare time. Six years ago I found a passion in horses. I joined the La Grande Polo Club (yes rural Oregon has a polo club!) and everyday when weather permits one can find my on my beautiful mare riding. My son shares this passion and will be a second year player this summer. I live in the most beautiful place in the world and am loved by two beautiful children, two cats, a mare and a 12 week old Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy that I got for my son this Christmas. Life is full and good. In my life so far, I have been priviledged to meet many interesting and exciting people. Some of those experiences I hope to bring to my business to pass on to you. So this is for you. I hope it clears up some of the mystery. There is a book in the works and I will keep you posted. Hopefully it will be the first of several. Don't hesitate to ask if I have left something out. Happy Friday!

Where Is Advertising Going?

Research I have compiled recently suggests that advertising is beginning to change. In this internet age, newspaper advertising is expected to drop sharply and mailers will become obsolete by the year 2008. Radio listeners are spending the money NOT to hear advertising with satalite feeds. So what will take it's place? You are looking at it. Internet, blogging and b2b companies with know how and expertise in this field will run the advertising market. We are already beginning to see it and the results that it brings. Aside from my company, I am a marketer for hire working free lance for a larger statewide company. To this business I bring internet and blogging work that is virtually new in my area. If you currently own a business this is something you must get on board with now or risk playing catch up down the road. This is where we internet marketers come in. Educating the public that this is where they need to be heading. The pitch? Simple. Business owners do not have the time to sit on the net. But they need to be there or risk being left behind. HIRE-IT- DONE! If you are here, you already know this. Now, go forth and let the public know.

Who Are You Without The Web?

It may sound a little harsh but dare I say...."no one". It has become true. Without a web pressence in todays market, a business has very little recognition. And the fact of the matter is that they are becoming easier and more affordable everyday for your business to have the web recognition it needs to survive. Therefore, if you lack a web based pressence, you need to ask yourself why you do not have one and design what steps it will take for you to create one. Also, you will need to know your marketing needs, who you hope to reach and what your budget can handle for such as expense. That is where the help of a great marketing consultant can come in handy. Not everyone is born with this information and help is there for the asking. Do not make the mistake of jumping on board to the first web company you find. Shop around. Find out prices and options that can get your business seen. And what I feel is most important, make sure you have options to grow your web pressence as your business grows. What you do not need today you could easily need in a year. Business to business marketing will also increase your visibility so make sure that your web pressence has that option for you as well. This is only the tip of the proverbial ice berg for you. I would love to discuss with you what your business needs and once it is up and running how to promote it. Because your website will not do your business one bit of good unless it is promoted, promoted, promoted! Email me. We can discuss your options.

Tasting Tillamook

Their are many beautiful sites and scenes to see in Oregon. One of our most beautiful attractions we have here is the Oregon Coast. I am lucky enough to be working for Taste of Tillamook County which takes place every March in Tillamook, Oregon. It's a wonderful event for the entire family with celebrity judges for several cooking competitions including a macaroni and cheese competititon. There will be music and wine tasting and many other events to see and partipate in. If you are looking for a great early spring event to take your family to, you can't miss out on the Taste of Tillamook County. I'll see you there!

I am a total FANILOW!!!

Okay...nobody laugh. I just spent one of the funnest nights of my life last night. As a Christmas present, my best friend gave my family Barry Manilow tickets at the Rose Garden in Portland. I can not remember the last time I smiled so much. Yes, I am totally telling my age but as a girl, Barry Manilow LIVE was one of my favorite albums and I knew (know) all the songs by heart. So in a sense, this was a bit of a dream come true.. He was in fine voice and as he will tell you, society longs for songs that touch a cord and that they can sing along to. Even my 19 year old college student said what a good show it was. So if you ever get the chance, go see Barry. He delivers a show that is second to none and a night you will not soon forget. This particular show went to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation so it was also nice to know that money was going to a worthy cause. Barry fans, come out and unite. Dont miss his show!

Keeping Resolutions!

How many of us made New Years Resolutions? How many of those involved weight issues? Primarily that in which we gained?? But oh it was fun getting there! But now as they say, it's time to pay the piper. Here in La Grande we are offering a RESET night on how to get your life back on a healthier path. It's at our library from 7-8 PM. If you are in this area and would like more information, please email me. Who knows, maybe we can get that turkey and gravy off together!

Planning Ahead

One of my pet peeves has always been seeing heart shaped boxes of candy and Valentine's Day cards in retail stores while I still have my Christmas tree up. Granted, my Christmas tree is often up until the middle of January but still...I digress. However, this year I have the pleasure of working for The Union Hotel in Union Oregon. We recently started planning our Valentine's Day event and it is going to be wonderful. The details have yet to be ironed out but lets just say big band sounds with swing dancing may be in the future.

The Union Hotel is a beautiful historical building located here in the heart of NE Oregon rich with history and elegance. If you have a shred of romance in your heart, this will be where you want to be with your sweetheart on February 14th. VIP invitations will be sent out by the end of January so if you are interested in receiving one, please email me with your address. Aside from that, stay tuned. 2007 will prove to be an eventful one at this historic location. We are discussion antique events, group functions, Easter Egg Hunts and much much more. Email me with your questions and stay tuned as the fun begins. Happy 2007!