No, I am not dead. Although I'm pretty sure I have no readers here anymore. Maybe if I post something and put it on Facebook and Twitter, I can get something going again. I suppose this will be an interesting experiment...well, here goes nothing.

Here's something that I am trying to get involved in right now. Shopping local is so important. I realize that if you have never owned a business you just don't understand how important it is to your local economy. Go take a look at the 3/50 Project. It is so interesting and really helps your local merchants. Times are tough all over right now. Keeping small business going in your community is SO important. It keeps your neighbors employed. It keeps your property values up. It simply makes your neighborhood a nicer place to be. I know sometimes you have to visit a "big box", but I can tell you right now, I don't want to live next door to one. 

I hope I can get some readers back. I would love to hear what other local merchants are doing to get a buzz going right now...

Go Meet Some Great Guys

Everyone needs to check this out. The guys at Knoxville Overground are really doing a good job of connecting local "work-at-homers". If you work from home and would like to network, or if you need some office space occasionally. Give these guys a try. I've met them and they are SUPER friendly!!!

If you don't live or shop here...you will soon.

Missy

There's a Sucker Born Every Minute

Well, I guess I have to admit it...I have fallen prey. I'm not saying that I am above such things, but...I guess I am saying that I thought I was above such things. I don't consider myself a marketing genius by any means, but I do really make an effort to be aware. I actually think it's kind of fun. I make fun of my husband and daughter as they are sucked into every info-mercial on television. If I didn't watch them closely, the checking account would constantly be cleaned out due to "As Seen on TV" products. 

Anyway, here's what happened to me...the other day I had about 15 or 20 minutes to spare. My daughter and I stopped by the bookstore because I had been wanting to get a book on retail that I had heard about. I couldn't remember the author's name but I knew generally where the book should be and thought I would give it a shot. I go in and start scanning the business books, and low and behold....I'm attracted to the green books. Now by green I don't mean the books talking about the green industry, I mean literally the green books. This is something that I have been making fun of, marketers of everything from cereal to motor oil putting a green colored label on their product so the consumer will get the impression that the product is superior. Here I am...no better than a sheep. 

I hope that I am able to take this experience and learn from it. What do you guys say about this? Take a look in your pantry, or look at the magazines you've purchased recently. Is there a color trend? Don't let me be the only sucker out there!!!

If you don't shop or live here...you will.

Missy

The Promised Review!

Well, first I really have to tell you guys I am sorry. I promised a while back that I was going to give you a book review, and I have been a real slacker. I haven't REALLY been a slacker because I have been very busy with work, which is a good thing, but I have been a slacker as far as reading great books goes. So here goes, my first official book review. 

Here's the back story ('cause it's kind of funny). Not long after I started my blog I got an email from a publisher asking me if I would review one of their new books. "What?" I said, "Are you kidding me? There's nothing in this world I would rather do than review a book!!" If my only job in the world was to sit around and read books, I would be one happy camper!! My husband makes fun of me because I'm either reading on the internet or reading books. I love to learn new things and every time he asks me a question that I don't know the answer to I'm looking it up and reading about it. I can spend an entire afternoon just hanging out at the bookstore. So when I started a blog and then got a free book in the mail to talk about....well, he thought he had lost me forever. But then a funny thing happened, it got warm and the business got busy! I couldn't read my book! Then he started asking me about it every day. "Have you reviewed your book?" I kept telling him I was getting to it....So here's my first review:

I'm an East Tennessee girl through and through. My parents were both born here. My father's parents were born here. My mother's parents were born in Georgia and Texas but were proud to call Tennessee their adoptive home. I've thought a few times of leaving, just to see what else is out there, but I don't think it's going to happen. We really have it all here. Just look at all of the University of Tennessee students who come here for school and never leave. 

William E. Hardy is a doctoral student at the University of Tennessee. He got his bachelor and master degrees from the University of Louisville, so I'm not sure if he is one of those transplants, but I think East Tennessee is in his blood now. According to the book jacket, he is a grant manager for the East Tennessee Historical Society. Now he has written a book titled, "Historic Photos of Knoxville". At first glance this looks like a really good coffee table book...then you open it up. Wow! What a wonderful pictorial history of our "Scruffy Little City". 

When you've lived here all of your life you feel like you've seen most of the pictures of Knoxville, but this book has some unusual photographs that I dare say haven't been seen in years. My 11 year-old daughter has really enjoyed the book, too. So, if you're new to Knoxville this is a great way to learn some history. If you've lived in Knoxville your whole life....I don't have to tell you, you already understand.

The history starts is 1859 and works its way up to 1982. That's a lot of history for one book. Don't expect a lot a background to go with the shots. I don't think you would be able to pick up the book if it had a story to go with every picture!! After all, this book is a history in PHOTOS, not words. Having only the photos is a great conversation starter, especially if you have someone older in your group. 

Well, I hope you enjoyed my little review. I hope some of you order "Historic Photos of Knoxville". I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

Quick Post About a Giveaway

For any of you guys in retail, my friend Debi Kennedy has posted a giveaway for a book she said we all need to read. Go here and post a comment to see if you win the book. If you win you have to let me read it when you finish.

You are now returned to your regular programming...

Keepin' it in the 'Hood

Do you REALLY realize what all you can do without ever leaving the stretch along South Northshore Drive? Take a look around as you drive down Northshore and around Rocky Hill. I guess I thought about this one day last week when I had to go to my mother's house in Maryville. I felt like I was going to Florida! How long had it been since I had gone beyond my little community? Had I missed anything? I don't think so. It was really funny, because I get on here and tell people to shop local, but sometimes I really don't even think about it. I just do it, because it fits my schedule. The only thing I can't find in this little area is the coffee I drink, so I have to go down the road for that. Day to day, I find I can stay right her and be really happy. I hope everyone else is just as happy as I am. From the looks of the traffic yesterday afternoon, I think everyone has the same idea as me!!!

Oh, I got a great book from a publisher the other day. It is about Knoxville and they have asked me to review it for them. Since I am enjoying it so much, I think I will review it on both of my blogs. Look for that next week. It is filled with great pictures of KnoxVegas back in the day. Stay tuned!

If you don't shop or live here...you will.

Missy

Are You Going Green?

Green, green, green. Is it a fad? I will admit to wondering about some of it. Honestly, there are as many stories against it as for it. It does seem a little funny that snow seems to follow Al Gore around these days. 

I can remember being a little girl in the 70's and hearing all about the "Energy Crisis". I didn't really understand much about it at that time. I remember a commercial telling people to push the gas pedal on their car as if there was an egg between their foot and the pedal. I tried to find that on uTube but couldn't... I also remember talk of turning out lights when you left a room. Then we got the '82 World's Fair in Knoxville, and suddenly everyone wanted a solar panel on top of their house. I don't know about you, but I don't remember too many stories about that working out well. 

Now everything is GREEN! I work in an industry where green is a big deal, so I have been studying up on it lately. Maybe this is the way to go? Now, I still think there is a bunch of trendy garbage out there associated with this green movement, but I'm starting to see the good in a lot of it. It looks like instead of just running PSAs about going green, people are getting organized. The building industry is a prime example. I'm just starting to really dig into this subject, so I don't know enough at this time to speak with any authority, but it looks like I will be learning more. I would love to know what others think about this. Feel free to comment!!!

If you don't live or shop here...you will.

Missy

Second Friday Networking

I don't know if you guys listen to talk radio much, but my husband got me hooked on it. I enjoy it sometimes when I'm spending a lot of time in the car or working from home. It makes me feel like I'm not so isolated.

OK, anyway, that doesn't really have anything to to do with this post....Phil Williams from WNOX is on weekday afternoon drivetime. He is doing a thing now in connection with Everything West Magazine* called Second Fridays with Phil. This week it was a networking opportuntiy at Northshore Brasserie**. They had someone doing some small business seminars. I didn't have time to go to the seminar, but I did stop in and have a drink and mingle a little. I think it went pretty well. As I was driving up Northshore on my way there, Phil Williams was doing a commercial for a countertop company and talking about wanting an outdoor kitchen. So, I went in the door and gave Phil my card and told him to give us a call. In return, he gave me a little plug during the remote. Thanks Phil. That right there was worth the 45 minutes I spent hanging out at the bar. 

So, I did a little networking , had a cocktail, talked to some friends....all harmless. 

If you don't live or shop here...you will.

Missy

* We advertise in Everything West and have been extremely happy with our results. Tom & Judy, the owners, are very small business friendly. They really go out of their way to make their advertisers happy. Give them a call and see what they can do for you. Tell them you heard about them from me.

**If you aren't eating here....what is WRONG with you. Northshore Brasserie is incredible! Brian & Stephanie are a brother/sister team who will make you feel like an old friend as soon as you walk in the door. We love them so much we spent Thanksgiving there eating some out of this world food. Check out their website. They have some great specials throughout the week.

Could it be?

What's this? Maybe it's not the end of the world after all? 

We own a nursery, and people have been pulling into the parking lot all week looking for spring flowers. Hey, I wish I had some to sell to them, but it's still February! This is east Tennessee folks. We could still have a 2 foot snowstorm. This could be a good sign...

Here's hoping we all have a great spring!!!

If you don't live or shop here...you will.

Missy

Something to think about...

Have you guys heard this? What's it going to be like if Walmart is the only place in town? Is that what we want?

As business owners we need to fight back in every way possible. They may beat us on price, but we can beat them on everything else. We have the customer service, the attitude, the convenience, the ambiance. We have to convince the public that going to a big box isn't the way to get through hard times. It's time for true guerilla marketing!

As consumers we need to think twice before we shop exclusively with the big boxes. We need to introduce ourselves to other shopowners when we shop in their stores. They will return the favor. We need to be networking all the time. 

What are your thoughts?

If you don't live or work here...you will.

Missy

Need a Reason to Shop Local?

Well, you sure had it yesterday! A snow day is a great reason to stay close to home and SHOP LOCAL! The snow was great for the local economy in Rocky Hill/Northshore yesterday. We went out driving around, and EVERYONE was out and about doing what needed to be done. The local guys who sell wood were delivering all over the place, the pharmacy was packed with people getting their medicine, Butler & Bailey....I won't even go there, but B&B had a GREAT day!!

Now...if you own a business, I hope you took advantage of all the people coming in. Did you offer superior customer service and tell people thank you for coming in? As business owners, we all need to remember to take advantage of anything that might bring in new clientele. 

Happy Snow Day!

If you don't live or shop here...you will soon!

Missy

Can you believe it's right around the corner?

Valentine's, that is. Wow! Before I know it spring will be here and and the nursery will be rockin' . If you are looking for an easy (and local) Valentine for that special someone....let us take of it for you at Creekside Nuseries. Maybe you want to do a little more? Well, why don't you add a meal from here. Does your furry friend need a treat for the special day as well? Look no further.

Wow! Don't you feel good? You've got your shopping done and you never had to leave your neighborhood! Encourage your friends to do business in Rocky Hill, too. 

If you don't live or shop here...you will.

Missy

A New Era?

So, does everyone feel different after the inauguration of Obama? It seems everyone was waiting with baited breath for what would happen next. The stock market didn't like his speech very much. After watching tv for the past few months, I think there are people out there who really thought all of their problems were going to vanish into the wind. Have you seen this? Is that what we are turning into? I hope not. I hope people aren't going to sit around on their couch and wait for that Obama check to show up in the mail. Does Rocky Hill really suffer from this attitude? I haven't really seen it much. 

I want to think that I can go out there and work hard and treat my customers right and be successful. I know that there is never a guarantee, but I must say that I believe in a free enterprise system. I believe you control your own destiny. Can the market correct itself without help from the government? I don't know. I would like to think so. If the government DOES try to correct this, will it then tell me what to do with all of my money? Or, will it take my money and give it to someone it considers worthy? Will it tell me what I can or cannot sell in my store? I think these are all things that people need to consider when thinking about all of this "change" that they want. What do you REALLY want to change about this country, but more importantly, what do you want to keep the same?

The Lipstick Indicator

I found a very interesting article in one of my trade magazines for the garden-center industry this week. It describes what is known as the "lipstick indicator". The cosmetics industry reports that during times of economic instability, lipstick sales go up. Now, why is this? Well, think about it....OK, did you think about it? 

It's a lot easier to buy a $10 tube of lipstick when times are tough than to buy a $500 outfit. A tube of lipstick is instant gratification. I don't know about you, but I would say that close to 100% of the time when I buy a new lipstick, I put it on as soon as I get in the car. As long as the color is good, I feel better immediately. (Guys, just take my word for it. Or maybe ask your wife, girlfriend, or friend, or get real crazy and just trust me on this one.)

So in these tough times those of us who are retailers need to be looking at what this article dubbed, "affordable indulgences". Look for items that are going to make your customer feel better right then, for little $. Who doesn't want that, really?

Now, I know a lot of folks in Rocky Hill/Northshore are realtors, and I don't know how you guys can go about using this exercise. I will tell you this...if you find some $25 houses you are going to make a lot of people happy. (Marty, if you find any of those, call us and I'll owe you a beer. ha ha) 

If you don't live or shop here...you will.

**If you would like to read this entire article it is from Garden Chic magazine and entitled, "Inspired Retail" by John Stanley. My apologises to Garden Chic for not citing everything correctly, but I do love your magazine and wanted to share your thoughts with others. Please forgive me!

Getting back in the groove

Can you believe the holidays are over? This is the time of year when retailers take a deep breath and sit back (but just for a few minutes) and then they are OFF again. It's the time to sit down and really plan things out for the upcoming year. Many of my friends accross the country just got home from Atlanta where they shopped for the items customers will be buying next Christmas! Yeah, I know....but it's the nature of the beast. You have to stay one step ahead. It's one of the things that's the hardest to get used to for me. You are always in another season in your head. 

But what about Rocky Hill & Northshore? Looks like we are all staying busy! If you drive around here, you don't see the "For Rent" signs up in vacant store windows that you are seeing in other places around the city, state, or even country. We seem to be pretty lucky. I hope it stays that way. Please remember to Shop Local. So much depends on it. 

I'm going to start spotlighting the businesses in Rocky Hill & Northshore Drive once a week. So, check back often. You may learn something you didn't know. If you know of, or own, a business you would like for me to spotlight, please send me an email, or comment on the blog and I will get them on here!!

Remember...If you don't live or shop here...you will.

Missy

Why Shop Local...

Sometimes it seems so easy to drop in at the local "Big-Box"* retailer and pick up whatever you want or need, but do you really think about what you are doing to your local economy? More importantly, do your customers think about what they are doing to their community. (I think most of of ARE thinking about what you are doing locally. I mean, you're here, right?!?)

Here are some things that we need to think about...and more importantly, things we need to get our customers and clients to think about:

•Shopping local affects you more than shopping global. Come on, think about it. Your neighbor owns a small lunch counter, but you drive through the McBurger Palace everyday. Your neighbor can't pay his bills and his yard starts to look shabby because he has had to layoff all of his workers and doesn't have time to take care of his house because he is working all the time. Your property value starts to fall... Then your neighbor's house goes into foreclosure because you are still stuffing your face from McBurger Palace. Now your neighbor's house is sitting empty and a band of gypsies has moved in. Your property value has gone down, again... Now, had you NOT gone to McBurger Palace every day....well, your property value would be just fine.

•Shopping local is more fun. Honestly, do I really need to explain this to anyone? Challenge your customers/clients/guests to spend one week simply shopping local. I can 100% guarantee they will enjoy themselves more. This one is really a no brainer...

•Does it really cost more $ to shop locally? I mean, really? In most cases, you drive further, spend more time, often buy things other than what you need.  Isn't your time worth something? Mine is. 

The next time you are faced with obstacles for shopping local, really think about it and I bet you can come up with a good argument.

Suggestions? 

* no offense to the Big Boxes.

What it’s about, what I’m about

"Another blog?" 

"Why do I want to read that?" 

"What's this all about?" 

Well, here you go...

My name is Melissa Langley and my husband and I run a business on Northshore Drive in Knoxville, Tennessee, or to be more specific, Rocky Hill. Rocky Hill is a wonderfully diverse community in west Knoxville. There is everything here, from old-timers who remember when moonshine was run in the densely wooded hills along the river to new transplants from far away countries like Poland and Germany. Look around long enough and you can find just about anyone living in Rocky Hill and along Northshore Drive. But there is one thing we all have in common...we LOVE it here!

But I suppose that doesn't really tell you what this blog is about, does it? Well, since we own a business in this community and know so many others who have businesses as well, I wanted to create a place where business-owners could connect. So many communities now have their own "shop local" campaigns going on. Why can't we do that? We have everything we could want right here, but in these tough economic times, we need to make sure as many dollars as possible stay at home!

So, I am inviting all of Rocky Hill and Northshore to join me. In fact, I am inviting everyone to join me here. If you don't live or shop here...you will soon!

Missy Langley

Creekside Nurseries and Hardscapes

8718 South Northshore Drive