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Super Bowl 44 Half Time Show: The Big Day!

2010-02-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hope Bruens of Cart PHR 4 outside of Sun Life Stadium

If you have been reading my blog you already know that we've worked for about 2 weeks rehearsing for "the big day" and I really could not believe that it actually came -- and went -- so quickly! Below is how the day shaped up for me and some details about the show and the overall experience:

First, I just want to say that if you all ever get a chance to sign up for the next Super Bowl half time crew, either when it's in South Florida again or if you feel like traveling to Dallas in 2011, it's an experience that's worthwhile.

On Super Bowl Sunday my reporting time was 3 pm. I was to drive to Nova Southeastern University to park in the garage so they could bus us over to the stadium...ugh. We knew it would be a long, long wait. I was a little nervous about the weather. It was beautiful and sunny but a little cold. Especially if we were to stand around outside where the wind kicks up. I decided to wear a long sleeved Nike running shirt for warmth along with a fleece and brought a leather jacket with gloves. Better safe than sorry -- and was I right. It turned out to be quite brisk once the sun set and many of my crew/cart mates were really cold.

They gave each of us upon check in a black long sleeved t-shirt with the Half Time show logo on the front and The Who logo on the sleeve. They are just OK and I decided to get a small so it would not fit too loose. I felt a little silly bringing all of my layers with me but was very glad later on. We, of course, were offered (another) box lunch to eat at 3 pm which was odd -- was it lunch or dinner? I had just wolfed down a pb&j on my way so I didn't eat the sandwich -- not that I could have anyway after eating them for the past 2 weeks at rehearsals! I just ate the chips and cookies.

My group found each other quickly in the huge college basketball gym that they sat us all in. We had all of us half time crew folks along with the pre-show kids and I think the band people that were also in the pre-show. I haven't seen the entire pre-show and game yet since I missed most of it being in it. They, of course, were the first to be bussed to the stadium.

We waited -- and waited some more, then finally at about 4:30 (we had to all be there at 3 pm!) we were told to file out to get on the buses. Now some of my crew mates and I thought we'd for sure be on those rental coach buses but oh no, we were taken by police escort on Miami-Dade school buses! Yes, big yellow school buses with about 10 police escorts that blocked traffic in all directions to let us through. We even went through red lights the way you do when you are in a funeral procession! To see the Turnpike blocked off for our lowly little yellow buses was quite a trip. I am sure that those drivers were like "who the heck are in those buses!?!?!?" Of course seeing the AK47 on some of the police around the stadium was a bit scary. We just aren't used to that here in America, are we? I remember seeing much more of that in both Mexico and Greece, but it's odd to see it here in the US.

We disembarked our dozen buses and walked -- right with the regular crowd -- into the stadium through the metal detectors. After one of our stage crew fellows boasted about getting his flask through security we saw him being "escorted" by the police right back out a little later. Not that he was on my cart thankfully but I assume that his drinking was a little out of control and they were -- for obvious reasons -- not allowing him to participate in the half time show set up. That could really be dangerous for him and his fellow crew/cart mates if he did something strange!

We were told to just stand around in a holding area by the stadium staging tent. Again, we all waited and talked - we were all a little nervous but excited. The most exciting part of waiting in this location is that the Air Force jets that did the fly over came directly over our heads -- they were not really over the stadium as I am sure it looked like on TV. They were off to the side and cranked up their after burners as they flew over. That was really cool...they were almost touching each other. We then heard both Queen Latifah and Carrie Underwood sing, of course not being able to actually view them, from outside. We did see some actress that one of my cart mates recognized walking with her Fendi purse and Sephora bag - I remember looking at her and thinking that instead of working here bundled in my black shirt pushing a cart I sure would love to be wearing those high heeled boots, carrying my Fendi purse with my new Sephora stuff --- oh well, such is my life...maybe when I am reincarnated things will be different :)

We then moved our cart to the area where we rehearsed which is lined up outside of the tunnel that leads to the field. We took a ton of pictures of both the actual instruments that The Who were going to play -- which were loaded up on the center stage parts -- and the outside of the stadium. We waited, tried to watch the game from the far away small TV's and checked and rechecked our cart. We were fortunate enough for the time to fly and before long we were pushing our cart out and into the stadium -- it was time!

The excitement for all of us was huge -- remember, we had rehearsed for this one moment for 2 weeks. As we were running through the tunnel and onto the field everyone in the tunnel were cheering for us, that felt great! Thank you everyone who happened to be standing in that tunnel! I saw, in the moment that I had running past a number of uniformed people -- thanks to all of them. They made us all feel great.

Once out on the field I was surprised about how very quiet it was. You can't believe how noise dampening that grass is -- with 75,000 people in the stands it was almost serene. A very strange thing. You could hear people talking next to you. I expected it to be loud. We wheeled the cart into our rehearsed position perfectly! Then quickly "peeled off" and went to the sidelines while the whale tail guys took off the strobe light and positioned it on the ground between carts.

I sat on the 20 yard line right on the sidelines with nobody in front of me to watch the show! Some of my crew mates ran over to the front (we were towards the back) but I had a good enough view and also was nervous about being in position for the exit in time. The show was terrific. I had a number of people tell me that The Who was terrible on TV but from where I sat they were great -- Daltry's voice was a little rough in spots but overall I loved it. I'd love to hear what you all think...and yes, Pete Townshend did sound off. We completely loved it!

We successfully wheeled our cart off of the field and waited some more at the staging tent. Funny, but I was almost sad that it was over so quickly. But I really was tired and getting really hungry by this time. We waited, and waited some more -- took more photo's and celebrated a very successful show set up and exit -- our jobs!

Steve our cart leader was not around too much so we were sure that he was off watching the game and (we hope) having a few beers! He worked hard and we really enjoyed having him as our leader. Now he's off to LA to work his Nick Cage movie! You go Steve!

We boarded the buses again and headed back to the university to eat pizza and watch the private DVD of the set-up and break-down of the stage...but a number of us, me included, just couldn't hold out that late. It was already like 10 pm and we watched the post-game (thankfully only Patrick worked on that stage set-up!) for a while in the gym, ate our pizza and walked out to our cars. Again a little anti-climactic for us after such an intense project!

To my fellow cart mates and new friends I have to say that this was one memorable experience! I am sure that we will have a Cart PHR 4 get together one of these days....now, who wants to go on a road trip to Dallas to work on Super Bowl 45 next year, I heard that The Eagles are playing...any takers? Ha, ha.....

During THE WHO half time show at Super Bowl 44 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL

Taken from the 20 yard line on the field

Super Bowl Rehearsal Day 7: THE WHO REHEARSAL IN STADIUM

2010-02-05T18:52:00.001-05:00

YES! THIS IS IT, (sorry I am shouting but this is friggin' exciting!) I get to set up the stage and watch The Who perform from a relatively close distance inside Sun Life stadium.

Let me document this evening's rehearsal experience from the beginning...I'll try not to bore anyone, but really want to make sure you guys are living through this with me:

In the beginning...(sorry, wrong way to start)...we were asked on day 6 to try to come last night, big rehearsal day, at 3 pm and had to arrive by 5 pm. I understood that we would see The Who rehearse a few extra times if we arrived early but if you knew my work/home/life schedule you would certainly understand why I got there at 4:30 and didn't make it at 3 pm.

After I parked in my usual spot (so I can find it at the end of the night in that huge Sun Life stadium lot!) I saw a crew mate talking on his cell and after waving and walking past I hear "don't rush down here for rehearsal..." and stop and turn back around. He was on the phone with another crew mate telling him that unless you were there exactly at 3 pm then there is nothing to do but wait until the 5 pm time slot. Bummer...this crew mate of mine arrived at about 3:30 and apparently was not able to get into the stadium to assist. I wish the organizers had made that clearer for all of us that rushed down to help out -- and of course get a little more listening time with The Who!

Anyway another crew mate came at about the same time and we talked for a while since we had to wait anyway to get into the stadium. We checked in at the same white tent, received wristbands and were escorted to the stadium. I totally ignored/bypassed the lunch boxes. I think if I had to eat another horrible soggy sandwich for dinner one more night I would scream...sooooo that meant going hungry (but Steve, our roadie came to my rescue, more on that later).

Funny, but I finally remembered to bring "Jennifer" our cart's mascot: a mule (or donkey or ass..really). I decked her out with our cart number: PHR 4 (not that should not mean anything to anyone but fellow cart mates but the "PH" stands for pyrotechnics and the "R" is for radial -- once you see the show Sunday you will totally understand!) and her name: "Jennifer". If you read my day 1 blog you will remember that a number of us told our first roadie/cart leader that all our names were Jennifer. Well, we do have 2 Jennifer's so it only seemed appropriate. Our mascot is a little ass, no really, and sits proudly inside the cart. She tips over a lot but we always right her -- our little ass is just as proud as she can be. Postings of photo's will be later and she has some good poses!

We were escorted through the metal detectors and, despite being told to NOT bring our cell phones in since we are not supposed to photograph or record The Who/the show, we all brought ours. I honestly was hoping that I would not have to take Jennifer, our little ass, out of my pocket (yes, I had on cargo pants so my bulging pockets would not be weird looking)...now that would be embarrassing and I don't get embarrassed easily at all. But for some odd reason I would have really been embarrassed by Jennifer the mule/donkey/ass in my pocket. You laugh do you!

All our cell phones made it through - whew! And we were seated in the first few rows on the side of the field. Our stage (I am kind of getting attached to this huge thing) was assembled by the 3 pm volunteers and glowing like a Christmas tree! It was a thing of beauty to behold even in the daylight.

Then after some speaking by our fearless leaders we saw stage hands come out and mock playing/standing where The Who will be. They ran through the songs twice. It was strange and funny to see motley roadies playing air guitar and mock drumming and singing on stage, but this gave the camera crew a great way to fully know when to shot and from what angle. It looked like the stage hands mocking The Who were close in height to each member of the band -- so the cameras, once adjusted could kind of know where they need to be shooting.

After the mock band, Roger, Pete, Pete's brother Simon, Zack Starky- Ringo's son, and a bass player who I am not sure who it was (I'm sure if you looked it up on the internet you can find out who is playing bass guitar at the show) came on stage. The first 2 times they played sounded -- and looked -- mostly pre-recorded and they were lip syncing. I think that was for timing. The stage was glowing (just wait until you see this!) with it's $3 million dollars of LED lights...yes, $3 million just in lights which we all handle time and time again...and the lasers. No fireworks yet though so we really had no idea what we were in for!

We filed out of the stands, which too quite a while since we had to all go down a two person walkway, and went to our cart leaders who then took us to our carts outside the stadium. Really, those hallways are huge if you have never been underneath a large stadium. We, on cue of course, ran through getting the carts out on the field and into position.

The next rehearsal was even better. Some of the fireworks went off - and just about scared me to death since I am just so close to them, the fog machine fired up and some parts of the stage -- OUR part started to flame. The lights of the stadium were wild and there is a part of the show where attendee cell phones are used, in unison with guides telling you what to do...no more information or I'll have to kill you, but I promise it's better than the old school lighter thing. Then we pulled it all back out...and...waited...and...waited...

The final rehearsal was completely full on as it will be on Sunday and I can assure you that you will not be at all disappointed!

To get to the part about Steve, a great guy and our cart leader, feeding me -- he very nicely offered to go to the food tent which he said was a great spread (but of course us volunteers never seem to get the "spread" but we get a heck of a lot of boxed soggy stuff). He and another fellow cart mate brought us candy - wonderful frozen candy....mmmmm. It was the best. I had a bag of peanut M&M's and that was dinner. Thanks Steve, you are the best!

This will be a show NOT to be missed and I cannot wait to tell you what happens behind the scenes.....to sum rehearsal day 7 -- our last rehearsal:

- A private performance by The Who for us
- A nervous and short Cap talk
- A great time with my crew mates who I really enjoy hanging with
- Great pictures taken by Steve, our roadie who I also enjoy hanging with (he's headed to LA to work on a Nick Cage movie set until July, what a life!)
- A great time in general...there is talk that next year, when the Super Bowl is in Texas, that we'll all take a road trip there and work it again...yes, it's that fun.

Not sure you'll SEE me during the half time show but rest assured I WILL be on the field with everyone watching The Who from about as close as you could be...now the question of the day is do I wear the ear plugs they gave us or not?

Pictures, fun quotes and Jennifer coming at ya...after this great show...catch you then ;)

Super Bowl Rehearsal Day 6: Almost There, Tears and Exhaustion

2010-02-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

The rehearsal on Wednesday evening was not nearly as strange or horrific as day 5 when the center stage collapsed on 4 people -- thankfully!

The evening started out as always -- no need to bore you with the details of the check-in, box lunch (they has some new choices tonight) and the bleachers. I am sure you all are getting tired of hearing about all that.

We did get another speech from Cap. This time it was not about trains, but about pigs and farming. That seems to be another story line that Cap likes...and the story is always one that tries to motivate all of us. Once unique thing that happened last night was that Cap told us that someone, after the horrific collapse on day 5, went up to him and told him that he seemed insensitive to what had happened. So, in typical Cap fashion, he took his cap off (yes, he wears a baseball cap that says "CAP" on it, go figure) and shed some tears. Yes, this made me -- and my fellow crew mates -- a bit uncomfortable. We are really still not sure that it was genuine. But even so, the thought was there...and life goes on.

Cap wanted us last night to "get back on the bike" and focus. He wants up to move forward of course with our jobs (that he is getting for free of course) and make sure that we are safe and motivated. He of course tossed in there that tonight, rehearsal day 7, will include a number of rehearsal run-throughs with The Who. This will be great. Of course the fact that Pete Townsend was tried for kiddie porn on his computer is still a bit of a downer (and we know that people will be protesting outside the stadium) but even if they are scum in real lift they sure do play great. Plus my memories of High School parties and listening to The Who will come flooding back -- I just love this band's music even if I don't respect them in their regular lives. And Roger Daltry really has a great voice at his advanced age. I hear that Zack Starsky will be on drums (Ringo Star's son) and that's really kind of cool. He is talented and I am a Beatles fan also -- who isn't?

We did our actual set up 3 times last night so I am completely exhausted. Not much down time for us but I did end up taking a break by sitting and laying down under our cart on the equipment shelf. My back has a little kink in it due to standing for 3 hours every night, and the running with the 2,500 lb. cart. Certainly anyone who is not in OK shape would have to quit this job, it's very physically demanding. My shoulders are bruised from hitting the structure when I run and push.

We has some great runs last night and Cap congratulated us all on doing a fine job. I just hope that we can keep up this pace tonight and of course on Sunday. We are all supposed to try to get there early today -- 3 pm if possible to help line up all of the carts with the stage hands. Of course they tempt us all by saying that we'll see The Who rehearse about 4 times if we get there early and if we are there by the latest time, 5 pm, then we'll see them rehearse 2 times.

The best thing about tonight's rehearsal -- besides seeing The Who -- is that we get to see the ENTIRE half time show as you will see it on Sunday. Fireworks, lights, full music set and all. This is a complete, as it will be on Sunday, dress rehearsal!

After these long nights (and long days waking up early for work) I am hoping that I feel that it was all worthwhile. Of course running the stage carts onto the field on Sunday with 75,000 fans in the seats, The Who in the wings and another 90 million watching "our stage" on TV will be the pinnacle of this entire adventure...

Look for the day 7 blog on Friday...should be a great one!

PS - YES! I do plan to try and get Roger, Zack and (maybe) Pete's autographs...I'll let you know :)

Super Bowl Rehearsal Day 5:The Collapse

2010-02-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

Day 5 was last night and as I am sure that most of your saw on the news, one of the main sections of the stage completely collapsed. No I am not hurt thankfully, but 4 of my fellow half time show volunteers are -- and that's very sad...this is how this very strange day shaped up....

First I knew it was a bad omen when my daughter sent me a text at 11 am telling me that she's sick and needs to be picked up. Now, normally I would be OK with stopping all that I do and help my children but you have no idea (or maybe you do) of ALL that I am doing right now. I have no time to spare and realized that when I caught myself texting while using the restroom and doing work for clients while at stop lights. Yes, crazy I tell you.

Next I realized that my late afternoon client meeting would require a better outfit than a half time show rehearsal outfit -- which is normally a warm up suit or jeans -- so I had to plan a "car change". This is not something that I have done in like 20 years when I used to go out on a friend's boat after work all summer. Then stupidly I downed a huge diet coke right before hitting the Turnpike to Miami and hit a huge traffic jam which was because a car that had caught on fire -- and I passed the only rest stop from Boca to Sun Life stadium while talking on the phone (of course). Hmmmm, that means car change for sure (I finally had the bright idea of stopping at the rest stop and changing but that came and went...literally) and it also means that I have to use a -- drum roll please -- port-a-potty. Yikes! I haven't used one since I had to at SunFest last year and that was the only other time in about 5 years, thankfully. Oh well, things could get worse -- and they do, just wait.

So after pulling in to our special gate at the stadium I make a beeline for the farthest parking space possible where there is no traffic. Changing in the car was not too big a deal, so glad that I lost all that weight last year though...my clothes actually are loose fitting now. After no line upon check in I promptly headed to the -- drum roll please -- port-a-potty bank that they set up for all of us. I tried to select the one that looked least used, a real trick from the outside, and did just OK. After holding my breath for the entire time and almost passing out, I thought that if they can put people in space, make an artificial heart, invent the Ipad (what a ridiculous name, right?! Must have been a guy to not really get that this is one name to stay away from!), then why the heck can't we develop a better portable toilet system than just a huge hole where you can view all of the "stuff" (you know exactly what I mean here). There has to be someone out there that can work on this...please for goodness sakes!

OK, the washing stations were good so at least I felt somewhat less polluted. I selected another box lunch - roast beef - and sat down again in an open spot on the bleachers. My crew mate Dave saw me and got his box and joined me.

Cap just had to speak, in length, again and it was another train story. I am seeing a theme here and know that he wants us to act like a train that keep pace with each other -- and is really pounding it into our head. The great thing is that my concept of cutting the whale-tails all down in width was done. They were all now eight inches narrower. This will make our docking and sliding up and down so much easier. Cap didn't mention that a volunteer suggested this idea, which I am sure they thought about earlier, but oh well - we both know who had the idea ;) And no this had nothing to do with the collapse of the center stage.

The center stage parts had been loaded up with The Who's equipment. A drum set, speakers, and other tarped items. This is really what, we think, caused the topple of the piece. It was terrible top heavy and the practice field is not that level. We heard that they hit a storm drain, which had been marked with bright orange spray paint, but our roadie said that they didn't. We think that the weight was too much for the little wheels. Yes, I have another suggestion for Cap but am not sure that last night, amid the turmoil (and I am certain headaches for him and his team) it was the appropriate time to tell him my latest idea. I told Steve, our union roadie, and he agreed: Larger wheels. They really need to weld on a larger castor and wheel to handle the load and height. Simple engineering logic here. Those tiny wheels that our whale tails have just don't work for the tall top heavy carts. Our pieces are long and wide with the weight on a bottom shelf - low center of gravity. Those are tall, top heavy and really need more stability on the bottom. Sounds kind of simple, right? Let's hope they fixed them today.

We were called my cart again and my team was already out in front of the bleachers by the time that Marcus called us -- only he skipped us and we joked that he doesn't like our cart. We quickly walked with Steve to our cart and -- not surprisingly -- stood around. I had my son find a mascot for us which is quite appropriately a mule. But, I forgot it in all of the craziness of the day.

Rehearsal began and we assembled in the practice field. Surprisingly it was not that wet or cold. Just a little muggy and really a nice night...until the horrible accident happened. We had just completed one rehearsal and the radials were out and we were all waiting on the center to make it out of the practice field so we could do yet another run. As we all were watching them move across the practice field a center piece fell completely forward, screams were heard and most of us started running to help the wounded. Very quickly, in like 5 seconds, they pulled the stage up and off of anyone who was hit by a part. We received an update that the 4 injured are home from the hospital and will be fine. Not sure what their injuries were but tonight I should find out more. When this happened my heart stopped, I felt very sick (that may have been the bad, soggy roast beef sandwich) and just prayed that they were not completely crushed under that thing. Tears began but I held back after getting close and seeing that the injured were moving their legs and were not bent at odd angles or bleeding - whew! Many people that were near were just so upset and kind of flipping out. The entire fleet of Sun Life stadium emergency vehicles came in: a couple of ambulances, fire trucks, police, fire rescue, etc. It was a field of flashing lights. By this time they told us via the mic to get into the bleachers and out of the way. They then said a helicopter will be air lifting the four people to the hospital and not to be scared since it is landing right near us. That was quite a sight to see - I just would love to see the inside of that helicopter with it's emergency equipment, etc. -- as a spectator and NOT someone who needs to ride in the thing to the hospital mind you. Those pilots and helicopter doctors and nurses are hero's I tell you! Paramedics are hero's also. Don't get me going on how much I respect people doing that emergency work - and I think I can't sleep at night! One of my ex-bosses, who I love (Ann!), told me once: "It's OK, you're not saving lives here"...geeze if I really were then I would be a basket case. I get upset if one small thing doesn't work the way that I planned out for my clients, so I can't imagine actually saving lives!

When that huge event passed we were told to return to our carts and to help line them up outside the practice field. Of course they were calling for all people that witnessed it close and many pictures, etc. were being taken. I am sure that this will be a huge liability thing for at least a year. Our roadie said that it was "bad karma" and that he wonders if The Who would want to go up on that stage now - with all of it's bad karma. We'll see how this all works out. We did hear The Who rehearse already so that's a good thing.

The end of the night was sad. We all just kind of moped to our cars and thought that perhaps the next night, tonight, will be a bit happier -- and more successful. A staggering fact is that the largest Super Bowl half time stage to date has been 6,000 square feet -- our stage is 16,000 square feet. Now just imagine that we not only have something almost triple in size but we have 4 times more pieces and just the same amount of time:
5 minutes and 54 seconds to get the entire 16,000 sq. ft. set up and then another 5 minutes and 54 seconds to get it all broken down -- including time it takes to get it in and out of the field.
That's a little mind boggling, don't you agree?

I'm off (again) to Sun Life stadium and really not looking forward to another box lunch. Just tonight and then tomorrow is dress rehearsal with The Who. Ahhhh, yes, this too will all pay off in the end I hope. I also am making great new friends and business contacts. The production company: White Cherry Productions, is huge and multi-faceted, it's all good.

Now we just have to pray that there are no more accidents...look for my day 6 update tomorrow!

Inside the Stadium: Super Bowl- Day 4 Rehearsal

2010-01-30T12:41:00.000-05:00

Finally the day has come for us to rehearse INSIDE Sun Life stadium, enough of the cold bumpy field. Plus I think they had enough faith in us -- finally.

Day 4, Friday night, started the same way that day 1 through 3 did. Although the volunteer crowd seems to be getting thinner. I think many people came to the first couple of rehearsal days and bailed on the rest -- and of course it was a Friday night. Who knows. The way that it is structured is kind of loose. I guess when you get unpaid people to help with an event that is making billions (and costing billions) of dollars you aren't too picky.

At check in on day 4 we were "wristbanded" so we could enter the stadium. Once inside the fenced field where we have been the last 3 rehearsals, we again went to get our "box lunch" and took a seat on the bleachers. One indication that we are really getting closer to game day is that our "box lunch" was different -- and better -- than the past 3 rehearsals. They actually had roast beef sandwiches left by the time I got there, which tonight was actually on time. But instead of just a bag of chips and 1 cookie, these boxes had a two-pack of Oreo cookies, chips, an apple and a fruit cup. Not sure what's up with all of the fruit and the beefed (no pun intended) up boxes but we all just assumed that they want us to work harder this time!

We started much more quickly and had no "old guy stories" from our fearless leader Cap. Whew! We were saved! Marcus, or one of the other top dogs told us all to walk over to the stadium at about 6:40 or so -- again we were early since the past 3 rehearsals didn't get going until 7 or 7:15. I almost missed what we were doing since they only had a bullhorn and not a mic and speaker system. I was hanging out drinking more Gatorade and talking to my crew-mate who knows my next door neighbor (in my previous blog I think I mention how small a world it really is!).

We walked over to the stadium and right inside the dock and hallway that we were planning to bring the carts through on game day. Now being on the turf -- and tarp since they had to protect the grass -- inside the stadium was really a trip. Just looking up and seeing the 75,0000+ seats, the lights, screens, etc. was a little overwhelming. We were taken to a lower part of the stands to all sit in seats. Now I know where the mic and speakers were -- inside the stadium ready for us.

Once all of us (there probably was only about 300 max) sat down Cap come on the talk. Again, no old guy story (amazing!) but he did introduce us to the grounds keeper who was 81 and has been the grounds keeper for all 43 Super Bowls, and now 44 -- that's a lot of grass to take care of. Apparently the grass is grown in North Carolina but this year with the cold weather it was shipped down to us much earlier where it froze down here - not good. I am sure that this fellow had many a sleepless night worrying about his beloved grass for the Super Bowl (and Pro Bowl I assume). The area where the tarp did not cover was amazing. The grass was perfect - not a dent or yellow blade in the entire thing. Cap did mention that he has seen him on his hands and knees plucking out dead blades of grass! Now that's perfection!

We had a little talk from him, which I kind of zoned out on: I can't tell you what he said. I was a bit pre-occupied just taking in the stadium with all the set-up people doing "things" and also I was just so focused on this 81 year old's stature. He was about the shortest man I have ever seen -- he really, seriously looked like an aging jockey. Not that I have ever met a jockey in person. When I say he was short I mean he was really short, probably 4'8" or something. Well, I knew I should have paid more attention since it was kind of cool meeting and hearing from this legend -- even though he is a grounds keeper.

Once Cap told us a few things about logistic (again I'll have to kill you if I tell you details) he said that they shuffled us in to "gawk" at the stadium before we were guiding our carts. Being distracted while being responsible for 2,000 pounds of very expensive equipment -- not to mention the safely issues -- is not good. We gawked and talked and touched the grass -- it was all good. Again, not that I remember anything of what was told to us by the organizers.

We then went to our cart leader on the field and walked with them back through the tunnel and out the loading doors to our cart. We are kind of bonding with our cart at this point and we all seemed happy to see it. The young guy that was supposed to bring the lobster mascot didn't come through so we are mascot-less. I also was thinking of bringing down something my son has in his multitude of "little guy" things but he and I forgot to select something when I ran out the door (always running late and worried about traffic).

Once we found our cart we discussed any more changes they had made during the day. We ended up seeing more tape, more equipment and some more handles thankfully. No joking when I say that these things are really sharp, cold, bulky and just plain dangerous. Of course we signed our life away on the 5-page waiver form we had to complete at the beginning.

We also found out (the previous night) that we all get a long sleeved t-shirt, that is unique to our group, to wear onto the field on game day. This is kind of cool since we are all hoping -- and talking about -- these shirts will really be a great way to remember our experience.

Once we got to the cart and waited for the cars ahead of us we pushed off and walked -- calmly -- through the tunnel, which has a jog in it, and out past the goal post onto the field. By now we know our spot and can just head off to it quickly. When we get past the goal post they tell us to pick it up and get to our spot as quick as possible. Now running with a 2,000 lb. cart is not small trick. I am positioned near a kind of sharp bar that is shoulder height. And it's really a shoulder knocker. Thankfully a union roadie (not our roadie leader Steve) overheard me talking about my shoulder and he taped off the metal part that is banging into me. Nice, they are really all just plain nice guys (and like one girl).

Another really nice guy is our electrician from Iowa. He is from Cedar Rapids and sorry to anyone who is from/has lived there -- the one time I had to travel there for work was horrible. It was winter, freezing cold and snowy, I had to fly in a tiny plane to get there (bumpy!) and the hotel was really bad (the nicest hotel in town). Not to mention the John Deere dealership next to the hotel being the largest thing in town. Anyway, this electrician is really nice and always takes time to chat about random stuff. Apparently he has 3,000 acres in Cedar Rapids and grows crops - a really nice quiet life. Not that I would like it.

We had a heck of a time with the "whale tail" with our first run through. These things are not good. Not good at all. They are just too wide and it is just too hard to get them to all fit while rushing to get our carts in position. I just had to say something, and of course did to Cap, our fearless leader. Now he's just about the crustiest guy I have ever met -- well, showbiz crusty -- and a little intimidating. Not that I am easily intimidated. He happened to be walking near me so I told him that I had an idea. On day 2 he mocked someone who raised their hand with an idea. He basically said that unless it's earth shattering to not mention it -- that "we have done this for 10 years, blah, blah, blah". OK, now I am also experienced in my occupation, as I am sure you all are in yours (yes, I have been doing marketing work for 25 years) but I would never mock anyone who has an idea. You just never know, someone may look at something so different than you do -- and have a great outside perspective. You may learn something from them: I never discount any ideas, they all lead somewhere and may lead your mind to something great and new. His comment made me lose immediate respect for him I am sorry to say.

When I stopped Cap to tell him my idea he did say, very demeaning, "should I get a pencil and paper?" Geesh, this crusty old guy is really full of himself, really. Then he said "what's your big idea?" -- again mocking me. I just looked him in the eye and said "no, it's just a little idea..." and then I told him what it was. Really, not earth shattering but an idea that must be considered at this point in my mind. OK, maybe working on events for 25+ years has provided me with some insight. Funny, but he seemed to light up some and really like the idea -- again, I thought it was just a little idea. He ended up asking my name (not that he cared about any of us before) and called over someone -- not sure who Steve was but I think it was all good. Cap then said that when we return for rehearsal 5 that "I may get lucky" and my idea will have been put into place. Of course Steve had to explain that there were computer issues to my idea and that they need to figure all of those out. Well, I tried.

The second run through was much better. The whale tails were not on top of each other and we did it much faster. Thankfully we were all excused early again - yeah.

The spot that we go to on the field during the show kind of stinks -- although I do think I am were the band will be entering the stage. No elevator or dropping in from above going on here. They just will be walking out of the field and up the steps -- and may be my set of steps (remember that our cart is against the walkway). I just hope that Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend turn around some so us in the back/side of the stage get to see the show.

Once we did the second run through we had to "blowout" our carts and place the wheels on wood "pads" to protect the field. We didn't end up seeing it lit up as we had hoped, I am sure that they will test it out a number of times before we see it - darn. Our roadie union cart leader said that he was scheduled to work until 3 am this morning - yikes. Although I am sure that he was getting paid by the hour and didn't mind. I like Steve, he's a really great guy.

We left, really kind of in a let-down mode. Not sure why. I think the newness of it all had totally worn off, plus we are getting a little bored and tired. I just can't believe one of my cart mates drives from and back to Tampa (210 miles he said) for each rehearsal. I thought driving 36 miles each way was tough!

Thankfully I have a break and am not due back until Tuesday of next week...let's just hope we remember our mascot, get to see it all lit up and that they have completed my idea so we don't all chop off our fingers on show day. Do you think we'll get that luck?

Super Bowl- Day 3 Rehearsal: Mascot Time

2010-01-29T16:46:00.000-05:00

*Sigh* Day 3 started just fine with even less of a line at check in. Plus I was very happy about just picking up my free Pro Bowl tickets, even though I gave them away. Again, I made a beeline to the food area just as the wind started to kick up. Why is it always so cold on that darn field outside of Sun Life stadium?

After getting yet another turkey sandwich, chips, cookie and gatorade I took a seat on the aluminum bleaches to eat -- and wait. I think in my previous blog entry I mentioned that I need to stay far away from the coffee they offer. After a couple of nights of sleeplessness I vowed to not touch a drop. Of course after hearing another person say very loudly that he has not slept in a couple of nights because of the coffee they served I am certain that this is planned by the event producers -- they really want us all to be very active and alert as we work our carts onto the field...and the coffee helps!

I sat where there was actually space for my box "lunch" dinner thing and then one of my crew-mates called to me from across the isle. I decided to move and sit with him to at least bond some more with a member of my crew. As you can imagine with all of that standing around we are talking about our lives, where we grew up and more -- funny but he is friends with my next door neighbor. Small world we live in.

Once again, Cap had to speak although spared us an "old-guy" story. Sorry to say, even when I get to be his age I will still call those stories "old-guy" stories since they always draw upon some really ancient time that all of us don't know about, understand or is so foreign to how we live now that we just don't get it. I know, I know, you are thinking that I most likely tell "old-gal" stories to my kids...well, my 15-year-old will tell you that I do, but they are not that old really. I don't think stories from the mid-1980's qualifies does it?

For some unknown reason they called us, once again, cart by cart by number. By now you see we all know exactly where our carts are parked so our crew just thought it would have been easier to just tell us to report directly to our cart. But no, they had to do it more orderly. Finally we saw our number and leader -- Steve -- and followed him out to our cart.

The good thing is that they took most of the daytime to figure out how to better work with the "whale-tail"...that's a great thing since I was certain that one of the four crew-mates were going to come out of Super Bowl with one less finger. Handles and an actual system to follow were instituted so I felt better. Although one crew-mate brought his 15-year-old son and I was a little nervous the whole time for his safety.

The "whale-tail" movement was practiced a number of time while the rest of us just looked on. Again, I can't give you any specifics about what exactly I mean or I'd have to kill you. But trust me, this is no small task. Just wait until you see the half-time show at SB...you'll see exactly what I mean. [And no it's not really a "whale" or a "tail", no worries.]

We ended up practicing going into and out of the mock stadium, goal post, hallway and all about 3 times. We really tried to work on the time allotment. Not sure if I mentioned it but 5 minutes and 52 seconds is all the time we have to get the entire thing set up for The Who to take the stage. Not sure this is going to happen.

Then there's the wheel issue. Yes, we have a very good chance to tearing up the field with these crazy non-turning wheels that really don't like to cooperate. And yes, we are trying to find the best way to get this all done in the 5 minutes and 52 second time limit to get the things in and back out again without ripping up the field.

We ended up having to run our part into and off of the mock field -- yikes this is hard and yikes it is a work-out. They tell us that our piece weights in at about 2,000 lbs. since we have not only lasers but lots of electrical equipment on it -- more *sighs*.

Then there's mascot talk. Our fearless leader, Steve, thinks we need a mascot for our cart. One of my crew-mates said that he has his ex-girlfriend's lobster (stuffed of course) and that we actually could burn it for all he cares...I am really not sure why/where the burn comment came from but that does sound promising. I may also be bringing a mascot of my own to secure to the cart - just for kicks we could have a few (we'd have to really hide them from Cap I think), but our fearless leader would certainly be on board with this plan.

At the end Cap did say we are doing a great job, much better in fact so that was good. Although besides seeing a bloody arm and a couple of banged fingers he said that if he sees anyone texting while pushing then he'll take their cell phone away until the end of the night. I do think he has a point -- no need to stop to read text and get run over. This is not a task without risk.

The Good and The Bad and The Good...and The Bad
We all got excused at 9 pm so that's the good news...but we are at it again tonight so that's the bad news...but the good news is that we are going to actually practice on the field several times tonight...but the bad news is that Cap will have his boss, his bosses boss and his bosses boss watching. And if we look bad then they will ride him, which in turn will make our lives miserable...

Day 4 coming at ya tomorrow. Just keep your fingers crossed that it goes smoothly and that we don't get in too much trouble (for texting, chewing up the field, strapping mascots to our carts and various and sundry other things).

Super Bowl Half-Time Show Rehearsal - Day 2

2010-01-28T15:31:00.000-05:00

Well, day 2 of rehearsal was a bit smoother than day 1 although a little less exciting...

I think it was the "newness" of it all that wore off some, and the excitement of being part of something so large. When I got to the Sun Life stadium the lot was really full. Looked like they were having "media day" for the Pro Bowl that happens this weekend.

I parked a mile away from the practice area and checked in to the white tent once again. No line buddy this time sine the line was kind of short - surprisingly enough. I guess I was actually almost on time, it being 6:10 pm, and most people are late. This time I knew to make a beeline to the food area and pick up my box lunch (not sure why they don't call it dinner, maybe since it is sparse) and take a seat on the cold aluminum bleachers.

I saw some of my "crew mates" in the bleachers but decided to not try to sit with them (I spend hours and hours with them on our "cart" so meeting some new people was a nice thought). I sat first in a spot that was empty so I didn't have to balance the plastic container on my lap. I ate and just observed the masses. It's just so interesting really just people watching for 20 minutes or so -- something that I never get to do in my hectic life.

After eating I decide to get a cup of coffee (a mistake, you'll see why later) and ran into more of my "crew" on the way. They just walked in so I let them get their food and eat in peace. My last spot was taken so I found a new seat next to some very nice new people. One of them was a newbie, having not been at either the orientation or the day 1 practice -- lucky her!

When Cap got up to speak to us, yes he felt compelled to tell another story, she couldn't believe it. OK, this time it was not about WWII but about the sharecroppers on his Uncle's farm. And a lot of it was really not politically correct but the small nugget of information that applied to what we all were there to do was kind of interesting. It was to not follow the crew in front of you but to see -- and keep your eye -- on where you are docking your piece. Well, after about 15 minutes it seemed to me to be a long, drawn out way to say that.

We were then all called to our piece by remembering our number and our union leader (the paid staffers). Of course Christine was on 2 carts so we got Steve...he seems very nice and was kind of more interesting to talk to...I like him. We had to take our part out and back in again -- twice. The interesting part is that they constructed a mock goal post and mock tunnel. This is to replicate what obstacles we actually have to get around on game day -- yikes!

As you can guess, one crew took out the goal post -- funny! We all clapped and the thing just went down. The tunnel seemed to hold up better but this is no small trick. Our cart was much heavier this time and I expect tonight to feel even more weight.

OK - one of the best things is that on my side where I stand once we "dock" is where the steps are. That's the great news just thinking that Roger and the rest of The Who may be entering the stage right next to me. The bad news is that ours has no hand railing -- the other side where there are steps does. Bummer. I think that we may just not be that lucky. Oh well.

I did find out that we will be on the team sidelines during the show and really, really close to the stage. Of course just so we can get quickly in there to take it back out of the stadium.

Day 3 is tonight and I have to run. Please check back tomorrow to hear about tonight. Day 4, Friday, will be the most interesting to date I think because we take our parts actually onto the field inside the stadium.

Remember, if you see a big hole in the grass while watching Pro Bowl then just think about the wheels on our cart. We have to make sure they are turned the right way or we gouge a hole in the grass...not good. Although I did say that perhaps our crew and cart will go down in history as the stage piece/cart that make that huge hole on the field at the Super Bowl...now that would count for my 15 minutes of fame, wouldn't it?

Superbowl HalfTime Show Stage Crew Volunteer Rehersal - DAY 1

2010-01-26T18:17:00.000-05:00

OK, I did send out a poll to see if this blog would be of interest and quite a number of people thought that it would so here goes...

I signed up to be one of the 500 volunteers that will be "stage crew" for the Superbowl half-time show. Now certainly the show consisting of The Who was one of the major deciding factors for getting me to sign up, but there is also a huge curiosity of how a production company can gather 500 volunteers and teach them how to assemble such a huge stage. Having been in marketing for over 20 years and involved in conventions, trade shows, events, meetings and seminars -- from creating, designing, organizing and everything in between -- I just had to see what process they use to accomplish this feat.

With that being said I will be blogging about the process and how it is rolling along each time I attend the rehearsals. Day 1 was last night and this is how it went:

First we were told exactly how to get to Joe Robbie/Dolphin/Land Shark/I mean Sun Life Stadium via a nicely done map with exact parking instructions. Once there I was a little confused on where exactly to go but they did station someone in a golf cart to direct us lost souls.

We were told to "line up" to check in at the white tent, which was a snaking line of about 50 or so. It did go fairly quickly since most all of us already attended an orientation session at Nova and filled out the various forms, including a confidentiality form which is a concern of mine so I really have to be careful to not tell you anything really about the s - t - a - g - e that we are setting up.

Once they found our name on the sheets we were handed more information about future rehearsals which is great as they keep reminding us when and where to be (over and over which is great for us time staved, scattered people).

They had constructed metal bleachers for us all to sit on although once I found a seat (yes, I was a little late having to stop for gas on the way) I realized everyone around me had their "box lunch" -- even though it was dinner time. I quickly asked where those were and my fellow volunteers pointed to another area where they had sandwiches with chips a cookie and various beverage choices. All is good so far. My line buddy -- yes, I did meet a sweet girl who worked for Carinval Cruise Line and was alone as I was -- said she wondered where I went since I didn't make a beeline to the food area. :)

Once I re-seated myself, and balanced my food on my lap, another half hour passed before they finally got all of us "late-shower-uppers" checked in and seated. Whew!

Cap, the top dog to the entire show, came on stage and after quite a few of the wireless mics decided to not work, he went on to use an old fashioned bull horn - oh my! After about 10 minutes of bull horn use, a tech person finally gave poor Cap a wired mic and he seemed just so much happier.

His motivational speech was a little odd, and old, about WWII folks being feed by volunteers in the Midwest for many years. He really tried to tie this story in with the fact that the volunteers feeding the soldiers where not expecting anything for their time and food donations. OK, I kind of get the slight reference of giving of time but really not certain how he thinks this is the same as 500 of us spending six long nights and one day moving parts around a football field for a for-profit production company so The Who can make millions, sponsors can pay millions and foodball teams can make millions...hmmmm, am I missing something here?

What they did very well is to group us in teams of about 10 people and assign us to a "piece" that we all -- as a team -- will need to move in place in about 5 minutes and move out again in about 5 minutes. Well, you probably are saying, "What's the big deal? You have 500 people, how hard can that be?" Well if I told you exactly the way this thing will look then I'd have to kill you, but I can tell you that this is no small task. Not only do we volunteers have to learn how and where to move these - and line them up perfectly (yikes!) but we also have to allow time for the pros who are electrical, pyrotechnic, sounds and various other folks, WIRE this all in the 5 minute time frame. Now, that seems to be the real obstacle in my mind -- how the heck will they have the time?

Last night was the first time that this thing was together - well, kind of. It really didn't work all that well, so they probably spent all night and all of today fixing the darn thing. Not that you and I would know what didn't work well, but they said that there were some issues that they were going to fix.

Now I do have to tell you about my "crew". I am with 9 other people which couldn't be more different. We have the obnoxious sports guy (did you think any different?!), the three your women who goodness knows why they came (but they were cute and very nice), a very odd guy who really seemed to study our equipment, a few guys about my age that are mostly sports fans although I do think one of them loves The Who also and just volunteered for that reason. I think that's about it but I do know that our group will most likely "bond" by the end of this adventure since we will spend hours standing around waiting (yes, last night we did a lot of that). Our lead roadie, yes they hired those to help out and it was a girl who was very cute and nice, had two crews to lead so we were left on our own -- to stand around -- for quite a long time. Well after obnoxious sports guy told us all blonde jokes (yes, I am blonde and the only one on our crew) I realized that this may be a long, long night - and it did get quite cold. I can't wait for the next adventure...

I have a break tonight but back at it tomorrow night, Thursday and Friday. Look for the next installment of my blog and half-time show adventure!

47 Ideas To Grow Your Business

2010-01-22T17:29:00.000-05:00

Being someone who has created the marketing strategy and executed complex marketing plans for various products, brands and services, I am often asked about what can be done to gain more business. For me, this is a fairly easy question to answer - please see my 47 "top of my head" ideas below. But the most important part is that you must be able to execute these ideas. That's the hard part and where I come in.

The "how-to" part is really not the hard part...it's the execution that takes the time and energy. If you need help with your marketing and business growth contact me. I can create and execute a marketing plan for your company.

Hope@thebuzzagency.net

1) Start a blog

2) Go to Chamber of Commerce events and other local business events

3) Release products (articles, etc.) that can be used for free with attribution

4) Hand out business cards

5) Post on blogs relevant to your skills

6) Attend groups/networking events and meetups in your area

7) Place your brochures/cards/information in relevant businesses

8) Attend or participate in a conference

9) Network online: Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are a must for 2010

10) Share samples of your work online

11) Send interesting press releases and media alerts to local/national media outlets

12) Sponsor/donate items to an event to get your product/service/name in from of the attendees

13) Suggest a story about your product/sercice to a reporter or blogger

14) Offer a coupon or easy point of entry into your product/service/business

15) Offer to speak about your specialty at networking events

16) Answer questions on LinkedIn Answers, Yahoo Answers and other question sites

17) Comment on articles and posts, be interactive with the online community to get your name known

18) Create package deals

19) Develop a partnership with a consultant or freelancer with a different skill set

20) Send out a useful newsletter geared towards your clients

21) Provide a free initial consultation

22) Join a professional organization and attend meetings to gain contacts/emails

23) Add yourself to directories, both online and in print

24) Place promotional items in event and conference gift bags

25) Run targeted adds: both online and traditional print

26) Contribute articles to other companies’ newsletters

27) Volunteer your product/services to non-profits

28) Contact companies that could use your services directly

29) Attend alumni events for your school

30) Contact past clients, ask for referrals and industry information

31) Join online forums

32) Print t-shirts/specialty items listing your website and make sure you distribute

33) Have a giveaway or donate your time as a prize in someone else’s giveaway

34) Survey companies in your target market about their needs (and then follow up on those needs)

35) Optimize your website for search engines

36) Hand out brochures that showcase your projects

37) Get great testimonials from past clients

38) Teach a class

39) Brand yourself as a business

40) Start a podcast or videocast

41) Sell your services through affiliates

42) Work with an agency to really market your company, www.thebuzzagency.net is a great example!

43) Trade services with others, especially the media if budgets are tight

44) Send out a postcard or other mailer

45) Package your promotional materials or services with other freelancers

46) Tell happy clients that you’ll give them a referral discount for any new clients they send your way

47) Celebrate the end of a large project with your client

What's Your USP and Why Should I Care?

2010-01-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Here's one question all businesses should be able to answer in 60-seconds: “Why should I buy what you sell when I can buy it from one of your competitors?”

This question runs through the head of every potential customer who is about to buy a product or service you. Your answer to this is your USP, or unique selling proposition - the one thing that makes you different, and hopefully better, than your competitors.

If you sell a commoditized product such as apparel, food or services, then your USP should be based around how you deliver your product, or another service that sets you apart. For example, Zappos.com sells shoes but their USP is customer service. We sell software that helps small businesses sell online at BigCommerce.com and our USP is ease-of-use. I could go on with examples all day, but I'm sure you get the point.

So what's the best way to find your USP if you don't already have one? Well, what's the main reason customers buy from you:

Is it price? Are you lower than your competitors? Is what you offer larger/better for less?
Fast or free shipping? Add-ons/added value you offer with your product or service?
Customer service? Do you go above and beyond? Are you more responsive?
Better/faster results? Do you deliver more than your competitors? How so?
Quality? Is your product or service better quality? Can you quantify?

If you're unsure then the best way to find out is to ask.

You could use a tool such as PollDaddy.com to setup a free poll on your website and ask customers why they buy from you, or if you want immediate feedback you could send a survey via email using SurveyMonkey.com. Just create a multiple choice question titled "What's the main reason you chose to buy from us?". Create answers for all of the reasons you think customers buy from you, and then make sure you add the "Other" option. So, you might have something like this:

What's the main reason you chose to buy from us?

If you email a survey to a few dozen customers you'll usually have your answer within 2-3 days. You can use the answer to craft your USP and that can then become your company's tag line. For example, if 85% of customers said they bought from you because of your liberal return guarantee (let's pretend you offer a 200-day return-for-any-reason guarantee), that becomes your USP and should also become your tag line, such as "The widest selection of shoes, backed by our 200-day return guarantee!".

To get real insight into why customers buy from you, you might also ask for their email address or phone number so you can follow up with them. It's amazing what you can learn from a 5-minute call. Put yourself in your customer's shoes: do you think they've ever been asked for their opinion on something they've purchased? My guess is no, so they'll appreciate the opportunity to speak with you, plus you'll get even more feedback to help shape your USP.

Finally, you can use your USP to position your company against competitors. Remember, at face value your business probably doesn't look that much different to your competitors, so you need a strong USP that shouts to potential customers "Hey, here's why we're better!". If you look at your closest competitors I bet they don't offer potential customers a USP, so the opportunity is there for you to easily win more business.

The one thing you have to remember is to always deliver on your USP. You want to become well known for your USP and if you do anything and everything you can to make sure you and your staff members deliver on it, you'll be amazed at the amount of referral business that will come your way.

To get more information about how I can help you market your business, or help with determining your unique selling proposition call me today: (561) 715-7705 or email hope@thebuzzagency.net.

OK, you want to know what OUR unique selling proposition is? We offer a collaboration of seasoned South Florida marketing and public relations professionals with a diverse background and first-rate experience in all aspects of communications. And that's a fact!

www.thebuzzagency.net

Marketing 2010

2009-12-04T11:08:00.000-05:00

Another new year is just around the corner. One business model I see continuing to flourish in 2010 is the growth and expansion of social media marketing.

Here are some thoughts on social media marketing and how your business -- whatever it may be -- will benefit from it:

1. Marketing will continue to benefit from social media interactions. This is a great way to engage people in your business and get information about who you are out there.

People with large lists of followers on Twitter, and a large number of friends on Facebook, really have an advantage when they get to know these people. You certainly can play the numbers and just send people directly to a website or landing page.

However a simpler way is to meet people doing social networking. A certain percentage of these will have an interest in your business as they get to know you and trust you.

2. Internet based products can quickly turn into a worldwide business.

Whenever possible find a network marketing business to join the allows you to enroll people all around the world, and provides a product that fills a need.

3. Developing an email marketing list is still a great way to promote.

The larger your list the more potential income it can bring to you. This is especially true when your subscribers get to know you and you get to know more about them.

You can build a very large network just by emailing out offers to your list. This is a very low cost marketing tool that is a must for 2010 and beyond. Really if you don't already have this in place you are missing a great way to market your products and services.

4. Joining various groups expands your reach.

Virtual communities are out there -- you just need to reach them and engage them in what you do. No matter what your business is or how targeted your products or services are.

These are a few things I see happening with social marketing in 2010. If you are not taking advantage of the opportunities to grow your brand online then you are missing a large part of a virtually "free" audience to get in front of. What other medium in marketing allows you to broadcast information about your company for nothing?

Contact me today and find out how I can help you with your social media: info@bmarketingtoday.com

Social Media Marketing

2009-11-10T13:05:00.000-05:00

What to do when you are unable to do your own social media marketing, probably due to too many things on your plate, or you simply don’t want yourself directly involved on the day to day routine you must have in place to be effective. If you would rather hire a company to shoulder the responsibilities delicately on your behalf to expand your business through social media marketing, here are some of the things you must look for:

1. Don’t expect it all: It’s obvious you cannot get everything done all at one time. Keep your expectations in check.

2. Create a game plan: Create a clear game plan outlining what you expect the hired company to do for your business and how much time is there to get it completed.

3. What tasks to be assigned: You must be very clear in what to assign to the company you hire. This could include writing articles, uploading video, replying to friends and followers, postings, writing blogs, participating in discussions, and other important activities.

4. Who to connect with: You should have very detailed instructions with how to respond to questions, and issues, who to connect to and why.

5. Workload: The person you are hiring for your social media marketing should have sufficient free time to work for you.

You have to allow time to grow your followers and provide good content so your audience will listen to what you have to say. Social Media Marketing takes time.

If b. marketing can help you with your SMM plan please call us at (561) 715-7705 today or send an email to: info@bmarketingtoday.com.

Email Marketing Provides a Cost-Effective Way To Build Relationships

2009-10-23T12:38:00.000-04:00

Email marketing is an amazingly cost-effective way to build relation-
ships that drive business success. In today’s challenging economic
times, this cost advantage makes email marketing arguably the most
powerful tool for building any business.

But the main advantage of email marketing is not cost. Email is
simply the most effective way to stay in touch with most of your cus-
tomers. If you’re like many businesses, the 2009 recession forced you
to hunker down and focus on driving business and sales from those
most likely to buy—people you already have a relationship with—and
that’s what email marketing is all about.

Email marketing is powerful, but it’s also a challenge because the
inbox is a hostile environment. Whether your email is noteworthy
or not-worthy depends on your ability to stick to the fundamentals
of authentic relationship building with your customers. That’s what
this book is about—how to use email to build long-lasting customer
relationships.

Call b. marketing at (561) 715-7705 and find out how we can create a dynamic email marketing plan for your company!

Bing to strike deal with Twitter and Facebook...Interesting!

2009-10-21T13:12:00.001-04:00

Later today we will all hear if Microsoft will integrate status updates into the Bing search engine. This will really heat up the competition for Google since Bing -- a newer search engine -- would give Google a run for it's money by beating it to the punch with this feature.

I don't know about you, but the world of social media -- and keeping up with it -- is vast and I find it hard to keep up with it all.

Goodness knows that we could use some additional tools to help us update and sort this information overload.

If you use a Mac, one really great free app is Flock -- try it and you'll be amazed at the time it saves you.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

b. marketing on branding: find your "unique factor" and market it!

2009-10-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

5 seconds is all the time you have to make a good impression.

If you don't stand out, you'll just look like one of the crowd. So if you're not saying something differenet now, then you'd better find something different about what you do from everyone out there. Because a message, look or tactic that looks like what your competition is currently doing might as well be an advertisement for them.

Build a foundation that speaks to standing out with a strategic angle. This should include brilliant creativity, consistency and a media mix that's targeted rather than scattershot.

Call me today to find out more about b. marketing and The Buzz Agency: (561) 715-7705

October Boca Raton magazine features b. marketing president Hope Bruens

2009-09-02T13:43:00.000-04:00

Pick up the October issue of Boca Raton magazine and in the Women in Business section you will see a full page on Hope Bruens, President of b. marketing.

Creating successful integrated marketing strategy for local and national companies, b. marketing has formed an alliance with The Buzz Agency (www.thebuzzagency.net), which is a consortium of marketing and public relations professionals to service mid-to-large clients. The Buzz Agency is a new model in the agency world with only seasoned pros as members, clients are sure to get the best and the brightest working for them.

Don't miss this exciting issue of Boca Raton magazine...

Are You Marketing Your Product or Service From Your Customer's Perspective?

2009-08-20T09:12:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder why it is sometimes so hard to determine where to start with your marketing plan? That's primarily because it's hard for all of us to really take a look at our own business from an outside perspective. What I mean by an outside perspective is that we are so concerned about the day-to-day items that it's hard to step back and really look at how we are viewed by others.

That's where b. marketing can help.

Looking at your business from the customer's point of view is what we do best. We really get in and analyze what your saying, how you are saying it and how it is being distributed. This is called Touchpoint Analysis. We look at each and every imaginable way that a customer interacts with your brand. This is the start of launching a successful new marketing plan or campaign.

If your message is not fully integrated into all of the touchpoints then your message is not consistent, nor are you really taking advantage of all the ways (sometimes at no added cost!) to reach your customers with your message. And why in the world would you not want to reach them?!

Often we hear that one segment of the business is not as "busy" as the owner would like. Well, first off please ask whether you have communicated that segment of the business to all your customers who come to you in the other areas of your business. More importantly, have you told them the best reasons why they should come in for that particular item or service?

Call b. marketing today and let's take a look together at how you are marketing your company. We can help...(561) 715-7705

Looking for unique marketing ideas in South Florida?

2009-08-10T09:46:00.000-04:00

When your dollars are stretched and you want to find a new and innovative way to market your product or service, call b. marketing.

Creating unique and interesting ways to reach your target audience is what we do best. Marketing your company is the most important aspect of your business plan, why leave it up to just anyone?

Call b. marketing today at 561-715-7705 for a complimentary analysis of your marketing plan.

Know how to step back and look at your marketing clearly?

2009-07-20T18:13:00.000-04:00

Understanding how to take a step back and look at your marketing and communication from a birds-eye perspective is difficult. It is especially difficult if you have been in your company or position for a long time, or if you have been in your industry for just as long.

That's why a consultant can help! Hiring someone who can look at all of your customer/client touch-points and really analyze them -- from a consumer/client point of view -- is vital.

This is what we are experienced at doing: analyzing your marketing messages and how you connect (or not!) with your customers/clients. Call us, we can help.

Consultations are always free of charge so let us take a look at how you are marketing to consumers/clients and you may be surprised to find out how much more effectively you could be!

(561) 715-7705

Great marketing starts with great customer service

2009-07-02T14:36:00.000-04:00

It's really a simple strategy that often is overlooked: provide great customer service. That's a great first step to starting out your marketing journey.

Funny how we overlook how vital this is to everyone's business. Now the hard part is getting your entire staff on-board even when they have an employee has had a bad day. Their bad day is not something you want them to bring to work - and especially show your customers.

This topic seems like a no-brainer but it's surprising how often I encounter very poor customer service. And in this economy we just can't ignore this very, very important start of all of our marketing...

Call me at (561) 715-7705 to find out how to get a free marketing consultation.

Decrease marketing in this economy? Why that's not smart business.

2009-07-01T13:12:00.001-04:00

This economy has made all of us take a hard look at ways to cut back, and it is unfortunate that marketing seems to always be one of the first things on the chopping block.

Cutting drastically back on marketing your business won't help you nearly as much as you'd think -- consider these reasons to CONTINUE to market your company as aggressively as ever for the remainder of 2009:

1. Be different. Create a way to really stand out from the competition and market that aggressively so when the economy rebounds you have a very solid value proposition in place.

2. Create loyalty. Building even stronger relationships with your current customers should be a key element in your marketing plan. Referrals are the best way to obtain new customers and keeping your current customer base loyal assists with this process.

3. Ramp up your online exposure. This may include an audit of your current website and improvements to it, to creating a Google Adwords campaign. Creating the most exposure you can on the web is a huge key to customers finding you.

4. Communicate with the media. This is the perfect time to ramp up your public relations efforts. The media, as all of us know, have cut back on staff and are often LOOKING for content. Many of them are getting "ultra-local" to further carve their niche in the media world.

5. Analyze all customer touchpoints. Serving the customer is what growing business is all about. Both with your incoming calls and email and outgoing, your company should have a consistent and customer-centric plan in place. And the consistency of all touchpoints much be constantly looked at. If you create a consistent message, and take care of each and every customer, your brand will grow and succeed.

Follow me on Twitter!

2009-06-26T16:16:00.000-04:00

Follow my tweets at: http://twitter.com/bmarketingtoday

South Florida marketing veteran Hope Bruens forms new marketing firm

2009-06-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

Boca Raton, FL (June 2009) – b. marketing LLC has been formed by marketing veteran Hope Bruens to provide marketing consulting services to local, regional and national companies.

“The economic environment has resulted in marketing budget downsizing, and an even tougher selling environment, which we believe will result in a significant need for increased outsourced marketing solutions,” said Hope Bruens, b. marketing’s president. “We help organizations who need a fresh, new look at current marketing plans and practices to maximize marketing dollars which remain in the 2009 budget.”

b. marketing consultants have the target marketing and audience development skills necessary to plan, implement and integrate both traditional and new media. The company offers a full spectrum on marketing knowledge to assist organizations. This includes creating marketing plans, assisting in the implementation of these plans, public relations and event planning, circulation development and the creation of loyalty programs, an area of expertise. Most recent employer, the venerable restaurateur Burt Rapoport, has become b. marketing’s first client.

“I believe we are at a tipping point in our industry. The result of the economic crunch, along with emerging new media make where to spend your marketing dollars a much more complex proposition. I formed b. marketing, which has so many resources, because I saw a need for a company that can not only provide superior solutions, but we can create a literal ‘dream team’ for any company depending on needs,” said Bruens.

Ms. Bruens is a 20-year veteran of the marketing industry and has worked over 12 years in the media industry for some of the area’s leading media companies including the Sun-Sentinel and JES Publishing, publishers of Boca Raton magazine. Ms. Bruens also has worked for some of South Florida’s leading advertising agencies managing major accounts in the region.

What have you done to market your company today?

2009-05-06T12:23:00.000-04:00

Marketing your company is often hard when you don't know where to start. And there are usually a lot of other daily tasks that have to be done before you can focus on marketing - we know.

That's why it's so vital you work with a marketing team that can help you on a daily basis make your company stand out among all of your competitors.

Here are a few ways you can gain more business today:

1) Go online! Comment on articles, posts and make a blog of your own. This is a ZERO cost way to get attention and network.

2) Share your work online! Yes, show people what you are doing and get them excited about your offerings.

3) Join and actually attend networking events! This is a great way to meet and really find people that you may -- one day -- convert into a customer.

4) Cross promote! Another ZERO cost way to get your message in front of a large audience that costs you nothing. Find someone that augments your product or service and cross-pollinate.

5) Contribute articles to both online and offline newsletters that would welcome your expertise!

6) Sponsor an event! Use this sponsorship as a way to hand out brochures/cards to the attendees. Make sure your content targets your audience and has a "hook" to get them interested in calling you.

7) Optimize your website! You go to the expense of creating a website, why not make sure your content -- what you do -- can be found in searching? This is something b. marketing can do for you.

8) Add your company to every directory and listing for your type of business! Find out where these appear and make sure you submit your information.

9) Create a webinar, podcast or create a video! These are all great ways, that are relatively cost effective, to get your message out there.

10) Lastly, you really should....b. marketing today and every day. So call us: 561.715.7705.

b. marketing is in business!

2009-05-01T17:23:00.001-04:00

Hi! Happy May 1st!

We are so happy here at b. marketing. Why? Because today is day 1.

Yup, It's official and we are celebrating like crazy.

This is an occasion for a lot of positive thoughts and good wishes. So we at b. marketing wish you the best weekend possible and hope that you...

b safe

b kind

b fantastic

b smart

and most of all you should...

b. marketing emerges

2009-04-16T17:00:00.000-04:00

Hope Bruens, vetern marketer, is opening May 1, 2009 a marketing company aptly named: b. marketing. This company will handle a wide variety of clients and will offer a wide range of services including:

• Marketing planning and positioning
• Audience/circulation development and analysis
• Direct response marketing
• Integrated marketing program creation
• Event planning and development
• Presentation and proposal creation
• Partnership and cross-promotional marketing
• Email campaigns and social marketing
• Visual merchandising, POP and packaging development
• Loyalty and retention programs
• Publication design and repositioning
• Website design and creation
• Sales analysis and expertise
• Community outreach and involvement
• Press release development

Please call Hope Bruens today for more information on services offered and to discuss your specific needs.
561.715.7705