Ping Test

Has anyone ever tried 5 Hour Energy? OMGosh, it tastes horrible!!!

http://ping.fm/nybtM “Love Won’t Wait”
Black Eyed Peas (Test Song)

Testing post-ability from Ping : )

And That, is That……

The time has finally come…… I am ready to verbally acknowledge the fact, that, my retail boutique will not recover from the fatal wounds it has sustained from the economic bomb of 2008-09.  It has been an emotional and physical war since last January,  truth be told.  I tried everything I could think of and was capable of in attempts to save my business.  I never believed, not once, not for a second, that I would fail.  I had full faith I would be one who would survive the tanking economy….. I knew I was skilled enough to pull this bird’s nose up, saving us all.

It was difficult getting out of bed for months.  If I could paint an image for you readers, imagine a smallish female walking around aimlessly in a  big fuzzy robe, ratty tresses, big fuzzy bunny slippers, with a cigar in hand (no, not lit).  Though I did NOT walk around like this everyday, I felt like this description (every. day.).  This picture became permenantly burnt into my retinas.  That image served as an outlet for the crummy way I felt.  More importantly, that image gave me permission to put one foot in front of the other, in order to move in the direction I knew I had to go.   Afterall, in life, no matter what happens, there is only one viable choice for direction…. forward.

My store was me and I was my store.  I viewed it as an extension of myself. It grew and breathed with me, and I, with it.  It brought out the best and worst in me, and  it was difficult to let it go.  My tears could have put oceans back on the Martian surface.  And it pissed me off that I cried ( Donald Trump or Pete Cashmore would NEVER cry at the loss of their business).  I hate being emotional…… but, I wear my heart on my sleeve for the most part.  Yeah, that’s for another blog….

Customer after customer walked through my door telling me how beautiful and unique my store was.  Frustration was beginning to blister the seasoned skin of my confidence.  I could not deny the clear facts showing in the bottom line, being contradictory to the words spoken by my walk-in traffic. I wanted to focus on only those beautiful words. I chose to ignore the reports my wonderful and overpriced POS system generated.  Instead, I carefully composed a symphony  for my ”orchestra”  (aka “Accounts Payable”) to keep up with extraordinary and growing overhead.  Of course, it became clear that I would only damage myself irreparably if I didn’t cut my losses and stop.  And so, I closed the doors to my boutique and on my dream. (can you hear the tiny violins playing for me in the background! lol).

But let it be said that  Social Media generated $1,700.00 in revenue for my business in approximately the four months that I was Tweeting.  That is fact. It cannot be taken away, it cannot be attributed to some whack smokescreen variable(s) that SM scoffers are all too eager to offer up.  The revenue was real, and it was generated by ME, using ONLY Social Media (Twitter).  Deciding to spend time on Twitter was my “Hail Mary” pass with 2 seconds on the clock.  I simply needed more points.  Using Social Media has brought many contacts and connections into my life.  I learn from and appreciate all of them everyday. 

So, the big fuzzy bunny slipper and robe wearing lady with ratty hair carrying the unlit cigar has faded into darkness and is now replaced with other images; for instance, a strong, smart, and capable woman who greets each dawn with a smile and a full heart, confident in accomplishment and thankful to have had the opportunity.

Love and Peace,

Jill

Store Reorganization In Progress

Columbine

 To all our loyal customers, thank you for your continued patients while we reorganize and prepare for our store closing sale.  All merchandise will be 50% to 70% off.  It’s a great time to acquire the heirloom quality furniture you have always wanted.  We will continue to offer interior design services and full custom applications (window treatments, bedding, etc.). 

ATTENTION INTERIOR DESIGNERS:

ALL ROBERT ALLEN FABRICS ARE 30% OFF LIST PRICE

Dealer’s Choice: Men’s Grooming Products; Billy Jealousy

I am constantly scanning the markets for great stuff to add to my boutique of wares.  I can’t help myself when I find one that is just simply fabulous…….even if it IS Men’s Grooming stuff.  I HIGHLY recommend this line for your man, friend, or FATHER (Father’s Day is June 21st).

Billy Jealousy is the name given to a Men’s Grooming Product line that I happened upon this past December.  This is a HOT line for even the most sophisticated gentlemen (alright, those gentlemen with maybe a dab of bad, like James Bond for instance) down to the urban bad boys.  Besides it’s brilliant marketing and sexy, clever, “sticky” name, it’s actually a really good product.

WHY I LOVE IT:

* It’s manufactured in the USA; Dallas Texas to be exact.  How fabulous is that??

* It’s dermatologist tested

* ANIMAL CRUELTY FREE (big one there!)

* pH Balanced for all skin types

* Incorporates ORGANIC Ingredients

* A portion of proceeds from sales goes to human needs, the arts, and environment (which is stated on their packaging)

*Extensive line including facial washes, lotions, facial moisturizers with sunscreen, age-defying lotions, hair care, body care.

I have had nothing but positive feedback from my male customers who have tried it.  The only complaint that I heard was that HYDROPLANE was not the consistency they preferred (they happened to like thick foam).  HYDRO is NOT like Edge Gel or Foamy, true……and the reason is because HYDRO is made from the finest ingredients that allows the maximum kindness to the earth and to your sweet, precious HOT selves.  I would say the HOTTEST of men are using JEALOUSY (to those who are not, BJEALOUS!).  Oh, and, my FATHER who is a buff 67 years young loves and uses Billy Jealousy!

Also a HUGE hit among my female as well as male customers (in addition to the eye cream and HYDROPLANE) is GOLDEN GLOVES; a moisture rich, light weight lotion that leaves no sticky, greasy residue.

Awesome company, Awesome product, GREAT PRICE POINT, everyone wins!  Check out their full line of products here:   www.billyjealousy.com

GET YOURSELF SOME!!

BEST SELLER

Tin Hanging Birds with Organza Ribbon

These sweet Tin Birds have captured the attention of High Style Interiors & Gifts customers for the past year.  A larger version is also available in two seasonally appropriate color schemes; royal blue, reds, and greens with gold, and one cream for year round appeal. 

They have been utilized as “Bunco Gifts” {you ladies know what I’m talking about….heck, I guess husbands/boyfriends would then too : )} Anyways, these beautiful birds have also been used as party favors, adornments for packages, and tied around bottles of wine.  They work especially well as ornaments for trees during the holidays (they come with a gorgeous organza ribbon…no hanger required!).

Going About Business Sale Continues

Open Bar and End Table from Artitalia; Chairs by Harden

Console and Framed Art by Artitalia Group

All merchandise continues to be discounted 20 to 70% off.  This is the time to buy that “investment piece” or heirloom quality piece that you have been dreaming of.  With shrinkage of the economy, I have started squeezing the tons of lemons that sit in a pile before me.  For our customers, I have some lemonade for you!

Builders: This is a special opportunity for you to acquire unique pieces for models, specs, or your own personal home. Artitalia Group, is one of the highest end manufacturers in the furniture industry. Reclaimed walnut and cherry woods are refurbished and crafted into pieces of grandeur. Heirlooms that will sustain the life of your times.

TWEETOLOGY: Why Are YOU using It?

Many a blogger has written anywhere from 5 to 20 steps for using Twitter.  It has become a phenomenon; probably the most talked about social media vehicle.  The last few days especially, I have been hearing some negative things said about Twitter and Tweeters.  I have been Tweeting for only a few months, so this is my young opinion I suppose.  But this is how I see it.

I think there is a large population that has heard the word Twitter for sure.  Perhaps a slight bit smaller population knows what Twitter is, or could at least supply a somewhat accurate definition.  Then there is a population that knows HOW to use Twitter.  I am talking pure physical utilization here, NOT etiquette or Twitter-quette/Tweeter-quette.  Twitter is a vehicle.  It has an engine, it has a certain capacity to carry, and it requires input (fuel let’s say).  If you read the vehicle’s manual, you will get more satisfaction from the vehicle.

A general understanding is all that is required.  One signs up for an account, you choose a name (handle, alias, etc.), you write a little description of what you are about and your off to the races!    Now, if you are a person that does not know how to handle a manual shift, you should probably learn first before your first drive right?  Twitter is no different.  Don’t just slam the accelerator down without thought to how fast you will actually go. 

Watch the Tweets that are exchanged by the “courtesy people you follow” that appear on your screen compliments of Twitter.  See one, then do one.  You type a blurb, your blurb get’s posted to the Public Timeline so long as you selected your tweets to be published publicly.  Here is where it get’s a little tricky.  I believe brands, businesses, and services have a huge opportunity with Twitter.  If you understand how to “Re-Tweet” for example, hash tags (#), and how to route people to things you want them to see, read, and interact with, then Twitter is your cheapest golden opportunity for marketing there is and ever was!  That is the physical manuevering of and within Twitter.

The biggest mistakes made are 1. assuming everyone is seeing your tweet and 2. the person you replied to knows what your are refering to unless you specificlly identified the topic (if you reply the right way: @HighStyleClt bla bla bla).  It’s not that those who follow you are going to see your tweet and say “@soandso is doing it wrong” (well some might).  THEY ARE NOT GOING TO SEE IT AT ALL!  See what I’m sayin’ here tweeps?  It’s not rocket science.  That’s why you choose some KNOWLEDGABLE people to follow.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOLLOWING @mashable for this very reason.  Familiarize yourself Pete Cahmore.  He keeps a steady stream of terse info-tweets rolling that will point you in the right direction (and he’s adorable, so you’ll enjoy seeing his cute little face pop up on your screen).

As for the other side of this, etiquette.  If you are a business owner, manager, employee, don’t be stupid.  Simply don’t behave “out of step”.  If you are trying to promote your business and that business is related to activities outside the mainstream…..all I can say is good luck.  I don’t know much about that.

I am using Twitter because I thought it would help me network with colleagues, connect with customers, and drive traffic to my website which ultimately leads to the products I sell.  No, I do not Tweet a hard sell every time I sit down to Tweet.  I firmly believe you have to find a balance in who you are as a person.  I myself happen to be made up of many things, entrepreneur, retail store owner, certain personal tastes, likes and dislikes.  I enjoy making genuine connections with people, learning about them.  I don’t get offended easily and I don’t confront unless absolutely necessary.

So that brings me to OFFENSE.  I was following a conversation the other day between one of my favorite “Tweeps” and someone following her.  The “other” I will refer to them as, became angry because my Tweep did not respond to them.  It became ugly, with war being waged in the form of “other” threatening to send tweets encouraging people to “unfollow” my tweep and accusing my tweep of spam.  Let’s face it tweeple, if you think you are going to jump in the vehicle and never experience a glitch, you are diluted.  You should know WHO you are following AND WHY.  If you don’t like spam (and hopefully you know it’s proper definition) then ensure yourself against it.

Now, real problems can come up, no question.  I think the Twitter community is intelligent enough to know what behaviors cross a line.  But what it really come down to is common sense and decencey.  YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHOOSE TWEEPS…..choose carefully and wisely.  And really, follow Pete Cashmore and Mashable.

Peace and Love to you all!   Jill