Can you REALLY Mix Business With Pleasure?

I think the answer to this question is HECK YES!

You can mix business with pleasure, I do it every day. My business is my passion, I love to speak at events, I enjoy writing and creating new training materials for my clients. And, mixing my business with philanthropic missions is not only enjoyable, it is rewarding.

Dave Albano, author, speaker, marketing expert, mountain climber, and all around GREAT guy!
http://www.100customers.net/

Dave Albano, my colleague, friend and marketing expert agrees! In fact, every day he mixes business with pleasure. He is a shining example of what happens when you combine your genius with your business. He is a mountain climber and a marketing expert and has found innovative ways to combine both. Also, he has turned his passion for mountain climbing into a business and philanthropic activity. Every mountain he climbs is a fund raiser for nonprofit organizations. He has raised thousands for Little Warriors, and is now raising money for Be Brave Ranch a program that will provide safety, support and counseling for children who are victims of abuse. He is on a mission to climb one mountain a month! Talk about a great way to mix philanthropy and business, and make the world a better place all at the same time.

To hear Dave talk more about this, listen to our recorded conversation on my radio interview with him:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charmainehammond/2012/04/18/guests-dave-albano-and-maria-simone


How have you mixed your passion or philanthropic mission with business? What model works well for your business?

Blake Mycoskie is another example of how mixing business with philanthropy can benefit many. I thoroughly enjoyed Blake’s book, and I look forward to one day being able to interview him on my show as well.

To read Blake’s book, visit:
 

You Are Always Marketing!

Dave Albano, a marketing expert, said “you are always marketing”, in the slow times and busy times. But marketing also occurs through activities like building relationships, in fact, Albano said this is critical to business success! One example is the information you share at networking meetings, events and with potential customers.  About business cards. Some of the challenges I see, that drive me crazy with business cards are:

- The font is so small I have to get a magnifying glass to read the email or contact information.

- The contact information is in italics, which can be very hard to read when the font is too small.

- There is WAY too much information on the card.

Take a moment and pull out your business card. What does it say about you? Are you easy to do business with? What could be improved? Does it call people to action?

Dave Albano says it is critical for you to be easy to do business with. If your business card is confusing, missing information or makes it difficult to read the information, the assumption could be that you are not easy to works with.

A picture can really say 1000 words. Dave suggests having a picture on your card, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be your logo. It might be a picture that describes your business “why” Dave’s card has a photo of him on top of a mountain. He has climbed 7 summits and is married to his passion (his wife, and mountaineering). The card is compelling, simple and provides a call to action. Dave puts his website, so that people can go there and find out more, and on the site he offers a free strategy session. This approach helps bring Dave the right clients and customers for him.

To listen to more of Dave Albano’s wisdom, listen to my radio show with Dave here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charmainehammond/2012/04/18/guests-dave-albano-and-maria-simone

Make sure you check out Dave's webinar series here:  http://www.100customers.net/