Winding through the streets of Truckee, with our pooches in tow, we often admire many of the historic buildings and homes. We enjoy the unique architecture, lovingly manicured yards, and friendly faces that greet us on these special days.  What we find especially intriguing is the constant breeze through the air that almost whispers the stories of the homes, their many families over the years, and the hustle and bustle of what used to be Truckee’s most regarded neighborhood.

One home, in particular, continues to stop us in our tracks – The Richardson House.  The phenomenon is something that neither of us can explain. She’s so astute, like a proud dame overlooking historic Truckee ― a Queen overseeing her regime.

Because of our love for this house, a desire to leave a legacy for the unique Town of Truckee, and nothing short of raw determination, The Richardson House is now our home. (Although, I must caution, the use of the word “our” is extended to the community-at-large.) Our intent is to reintroduce her as a place many can enjoy. Whether her living areas are used as meeting places sites for non-profit organizations, her yard as a solstice for those looking for a quiet place to read or a couple to celebrate a special day, or her bedrooms enjoyed as a respite by locals and their guests alike, The Richardson House will soon return to Truckee society in all of her splendor.

Richardson House, Historic Truckee

When was the last time you took a good look at your mission statement?  If it’s been awhile, dig deep and give this imperative description of your business / organization the attention it deserves.

Colleen Dalton, E-Business Marketing Director Booth Creek Ski Resorts, Inc., a fellow Trails and Vistas board member, recently recommended a quick and easy article on “how to” create such a statement - Mission Statements.

In this age of information technology, it’s more imperative than ever to make sure you can provide a quick, cohesive and interesting description of your business.

Undoubtedly, we’ve all taken a second glance at a product or service based on the person serving as the “face” of the brand.  Brooke Shields has fabulous teeth (therefore I must use Colgate), one of our outdoor grills is affectionately known as “The Georgie” and if SpongeBob is on a product at the grocery store, it somehow ends up in our shopping cart.

Although it would be amazing to have a dependable, wholesome and highly recognized celebrity endorsing our product, it’s simply not in the budget for most.  Not to worry though, endorsements from local celebrities can go a long way.  Read on:

A very dear friend of mine writes a “Shop Talk” column for the Reno Gazette Journal.  Her husband always raves about the fact that as soon as she promotes a product in the weekly column, sales for this particular item go through the roof.  In addition, she attends and writes columns or short stories about all the major charitable events in the region.

Only recently, she joined the world of Twitter and now has over 300 followers.

Whether I’m buying tanning lotion, looking for someone to repair the heel of a high heel or trying to decide whether or not we should attend a fundraising dinner, I always turn to her first.

In her own right, she’s become a regional celebrity spokesperson.  It’s not because she gives me excellent referrals, it’s because she gives them to the entire region.

Who is this person in your community?  Are you connected?  Can you enhance this relationship?

Before adding this as a possible action item on your to-do list, read David Port’s article “Boost Your Brand” and discuss with your management team and/or board of directors.  Economically, it could be a fantastic and economically feasible way to promote your brand.

Honestly, I never thought it would happen.  Me?  Blog?

Here it is, 2009 and I’ve decided (with ample nudging from a few friends and Bryan’s team over at Fuze) that my time to leap from a long chat over coffee to, well, a blog.

What is a blog?  According to WordNet it’s something you read, write or edit – a shared online journal.  Back in 1999 blog was added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.   It’s defined by MarketingTerms.com as a frequent chronological publication of personal thoughts and web links.

As I scroll further into the online abyss of blog descriptions before me, I realize in ten years or so, the definition remains basically the same – I write, and if you’re captivated (or with hope, partially interested) you’ll read.

Here we go…