Technology Changes Lives for Amputees

People in Peoria are making a difference. Don Goertzen, CP, LPO, of Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics was recently featured discussing how microprocessor knees can change the lives of amputees. Check out the VIDEO HERE. 

Customers You DON'T Want

Yes, you read that right. Even in today's economic climate, there are customers your company doesn't want. This is a philosophy DLA has always ascribed to, as we are committed to focusing our time and effort on our high-quality clients. For us, those clients are defined as:

• forward-thinking,
  
• progressive,
  
• offering a well-defined product or service,
  
• committed to marketing,
  
• mid-sized and growing,
  
• are coachable and,
  
• have accessible leadership.

How do YOU define an ideal customer? Or better yet, customers you DON'T want? We've always believed that if you spend too much time chasing after anyone and everyone that you'll dilute your message and drain the energy you should be spending on your true target. A recent article in Business Week affirms this approach we've always taken. Read more here.

The Community That Eats Together...

We are committed to supporting local businesses as much as possible and encourage everyone else to do the same. In the last few weeks, we've been reminded of why Peoria is a great place to live ... and eat! From Lou's Drive-in with the kids to celebrate the last day of school or a relaxing evening at 2 Chez chatting with good friends, our city offers a range of eateries.

Don't forget the Spotted Cow. Whether it's a quick business lunch (gotta have the Italian Beef) or Blue Wave ice cream with the kids, it's always a hit. We also finally found time to check out The Kaiserhof. The owner was so accommodating and explained that they're now offering kid-friendly food including hot dogs and mac-n-cheese. The accordion player adds to the fun for the whole family, while a full bar provides a range of adult beverages.

Especially in these economic challenging times, let's remember to support our local businesses – both financially and with words of encouragement.

Featured Website – Bezales

Occasionally we like to get the word out about our clients. This month we encourage you to visit the website for Bezales, a growing company launched by a teenage entrepreneur. In today's world, who doesn't enjoy a good success story? Check it out!

Is your company family-friendly?

Offering a family-friendly work environment isn't a new topic, but for many years it's been mainy focused on women. But today we're seeing more men helping at classroom parties, joining kids on field trips and driving kids or parents to doctor visits. Here are some statistics from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to show what employees want today:

– 63% believe we don't have enough time for spouses or partners

– 74% say we don't have enough time for our children

– 35% are putting significant time toward caring for an elderly relative

– 75% of us want flexible work options

We can't speak for others, but here at DLA Creative, we strive to make this a place that's easy for all parents (and non-parents) to work – while still remaining professional in our client interactions. It's always a balancing act to meet client needs and employee needs, but we believe it can be done. And SHOULD be done. Here are some of the things we've implemented:

• Pre-determined flex-time

• Modified work schedules during school holidays

• Ability to work from home as needed

• Casual dress code (saves money!)

• Parents are encouraged to participate in children's activities

• Employees' extended families (spouses, parents, etc.,) are always welcome

So ... what things does your company offer to make your job family friendly? Post your comments here.

Think like a crook...

While the headline may sound sinister, it really isn't.

Stop and think for a moment. When do burglars do some of their best work? When families are on vacation or their guard is down.

Now apply that to your business. Sometimes organizations take on a different mindset during the summer (or a down economy), giving you the perfect opportunity to be the only one promoting your product or service. Now is the time to "be the burglar" scooping up the sales. Want some ideas for jump-starting your marketing or putting together an ongoing plan? Call, click or come on over!

309.693.1421 • mjlefebvre@dlacreative.com • 3332 W. Willow Knolls Rd., Peoria

How Tweet It Is

A good reminder from Business Week about the impact of social media – in this case, from a potentially negative perspective. This can apply to blogs, Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and a host of other social media available today. If you'd like to discuss how to incorporate social media into your marketing mix, shoot me an email at mjlefebvre@dlacreative.com. Thanks – Michelle