The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK - BizBuzz by Lisa Bland-Selix

BizBuzz new local business blog When approached about writing a business blog, I was thinking, "Wow, someone is going to give me a forum." Most of my acquaintances know that opinions are not in short-supply here. Our intent is to entertain and educate our readers about business, jobs, the economy, trends, and any new business developments in the area. We would love to get your comments and thoughts about topics for future blogs.

Life and the economy: A whole new reality show

The last year of economic upheaval has forced many changes in our everyday lives and it is hard to find families or households who have not been impacted by the subsequent aftershocks that have rolled through the country.

In my family, my husband and son, involved in construction related businesses, have both been laid off this year. My husband returned to work but my son ventured into another type of work in an oil/gas related field and worked out of state where there is some activity in the oil/gas business. Falling prices have forced many of these producers to idle wells—it is just not worth losing more money to keep crews working. Recently, he was laid off again but did find work in construction again. My other son, who is an auto related business in the OKC area is getting laid off as their location is closing. Talking to fellow Chamber of Commerce members at a ribbon cutting this week, I talked to two different women, one whose husband, also in the oil business, has been laid off and the other woman’s son-in-law had been laid off. Luckily, for my son and husband, they have trade skills that get them back in the work force quickly. My other son, has a college degree, and that also makes you more attractive in the job market so he has found another position. Now more than ever it is important to reinforce this to young people and others who might want to pursue a trade or a degree if you are out of work.

This is not a whine and cheese session but an example of the severity of the economic repercussions that many of us are dealing with while Washington sits by and keeps creating more government but so far not many jobs unless you have been named czar of some goofy entity lately.

Government has become so large and it takes so much money to get elected that many in office have no idea how the other half lives and how families struggle to cover the necessities of daily living, forget vacations, college for their kids or savings for the future. I would love to see a new reality show where select House and Senate members trade places with the regular guy or gal in their home and see the challenges families face on a daily basis. Hanging out the Hill might seem like a piece of cake after that.

October 01, 2009 09:04 am

Health care bill fails Marketing 101

What happened to the slick packaging?

As the current scuffle on health care seems to be evolving into a barroom brawl many marketing and media analysts are asking themselves, Is this the same group that produced, “Obama, it’s time for a change?”

For those who are interested in such things, the production staged by the Obama machine to get a largely unknown candidate elected to the most powerful office in the world, was quite a modern day marketing marvel. But, in comparison with the older, stodgier McCain camp offering, the Obama gang merely had to work their plan. Their accomplishment garnered the title of Marketers of the year for 2008 as they completed the task and were rewarded with the keys to the kingdom, well, at least the White House.

One would think with that slick, well oiled machine at hand , these crafty marketing folks could package the health care plan and sell it to the American people. But, apparently, they missed class for Marketing 101—keep the message simple…with a health care package bill being over 1017 pages, keeping it simple is out the window. According to some sources it reads like a computer programming manual and is very technical. Many insured people are trying to figure out why a solution is being forced on them for a problem they do not have—they have insurance and they are happy with things as they stand. Many uninsured people don’t have insurance and don’t want it if they have to pay for it, so how will they like being fined for not having insurance?

The government’s track record running some of their creations, the post office for an example, is not stellar. Confidence in their ability to run a major initiative like national health care could become a national nightmare and a major drain on our already bruised and battered economy. Granted there are infinite problems with our health care system and some needed reforms but this convoluted plan does not appear to be something the House and Senate members want for their insurance plan so why would anyone else want it?

Government for the people, by the people? Not hardly.

September 28, 2009 08:55 am

Are we ready for our 'A' game?

Are we ready for our “A” game? Are we really ready to take Enid to the next level? Many discussions have occurred lately discussing the future of Enid and what it will take to accelerate growth in this small hub in northwest Oklahoma and turn it into a true destination.
One of the best templates for this type of challenge lies in the transformation of a rundown, downtown industrial sector of a city into a goldmine. That example is OKC’s Bricktown. It is hard to believe when you drive or take a very pleasureable stroll through the brick streets of old Oklahoma City to remember that this was once a place where nobody wanted to be and progressive commerce had moved stores, restaurants, malls and people to the outskirts of the city. Realizing the true potential that could exist, some visionary city leaders worked tirelessly to sell the idea to prospective business owners and entrepreneurs. And the rest is history, as they say.
Enid has great potential but it will also need great vision to see this dream to fruition. It will take a lot of guts and maybe not much glory from some very committed individuals who believe in their mission. Citizens will have to come together and believe and support the plan and be willing to spend tax dollars to rebuild some of Enid’s ailing infrastructure. Schools will have to be built and others upgraded. Recreational facilities such as walking and bike trails or a lake will be needed to complete the total picture. Companies seeking to relocate to less expensive areas will see the economic development in Enid and we will see new industries, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses move here and prosper.
Over the years, many skeptics, critics and naysayers have poisoned the collective environment and cast a dark shadow over Enid’s future. It is time for a new vision for Enid, one of growth and prosperity. Remember,”… if you build it, they will come.”

August 25, 2009 01:47 pm

Still Crazy after all these years. . .

Soon it will be that time of year again when many local merchants open early and put items for sale at crazy prices in the middle of summer hoping to cash in on some extra summer sales.

For those of you who were not around in Enid in its earlier years, the downtown square was packed with store after store. Crazy Days was one of two times of the year where it was a challenge to navigate the sidewalks because of the number of people downtown. The other big event was the Tri-State music festival and every school big or small for miles around showed their community pride with their marching bands.

You saved your money for weeks before both events knowing there would be too many temptations to resist. My best friend and I always loved the grab bags some of the stores would assemble. You would pay $1 or so and purchase a colorful sack with some unknown contents but it was so exciting to see what you could get. The music store sold old 45 records. Circling all around the square, everyone had something enticing. Small clubs and organizations had bake sale items to raise money and provide sustenance to weary bargain hunters on the prowl.

Most of the stores had tables in front of their stores loaded with mark downs and shoppers rifled through them like their were gold bars underneath. We had several large department stores downtown that offered all types of bargains. Newman’s, Anthony’s, Coldiron’s, Herzberg’s, Sears, J.C. Penney’s, Kress and even Woolworth’s. Specialty stores like Chenoweth and Green Music, Mayer’s Shoes, Simpson’s, Down’s Pharmacy and S&Q Clothiers. Sadly, there are only a few of those stores remaining that were open in Enid’s heyday, Cliff’s Camera, Garfield Furniture, and Bell’s Jewelers to name a few.

As the town changed and shopping centers were built in various locations and then with the addition of Oakwood Mall, the shopping trends changed and the various entities vie for the shopper’s attention. Some stores participate, some start their sales efforts days earlier to try to capture market share. But overall it is just not the same as the Crazy Days of yesteryear. Grab bag, anyone? I wish you could have been there.

Crazy days, is it time for a makeover?

July 23, 2009 04:49 pm

A disturbance in the force for all of us

The upheaval of our financial infrastructure has caused quite a disturbance in the force for all of us. Millions of workers contributing to 401ks monthly and watching them steadily grow as they inched toward the ultimate goal of the working stiff, retirement. Now, some of us will be punching that clock a bit longer to make up for the losses we have suffered.
What was one of the single most divisive elements of this financial meltdown? Greed is the answer that comes to my mind. No thought for the rest of us or how it might impact the future of our children just pure unadulterated greed. Bernie did not care as he “Madoff” with billions of other people’s fortunes just to pad his own pockets. Prior to his sentencing of 150 years (the maximum sentence) he pled for leniency because of his age. What about all of the people he swindled? They have been sentenced to re-live the tragedy of trusting their life savings to someone who should never have been trusted. Some of these victims will never be able to recoup what they lost due to their ages.
Many discussions have ensued concerning the instruction business students are receiving in the prestigious business learning institutions where many of these Wall Street tycoons have received an MBA, or Masters of Business Administration. Analysts say that ethics was not discussed enough and the focus on bottom-line profits became the driving force behind all their decisions. Can these higher learning establishments really be held accountable for teaching selfish, thievery? More ethics training is in order in all business instruction and more importantly the essence of personal responsibility instilled as these young men and women learn the tools to become great leaders. The responsibility to do the right thing to make money for yourself and your company should be the norm, but not at the expense of your integrity and someone else’s nest egg.
As the saying goes, things happen for a reason. Through the horror stories that have surfaced during this crisis many are finding strengths they did not know they had. People are learning to do more on less and savings rates are increasing for the first time in many years. Families are reconnecting and spending more time together than on the endless array of technological gadgets that surround us. Many are seeing that there a lot of things to be thankful for instead of constantly trying to buy a bigger car than the neighbors or build that backyard pool first. Maybe for the first time in many years, Americans will see that this crisis has helped them grow stronger, digging deep within themselves for the courage to keep fighting the good fight and the country will be better off in the long run.

June 29, 2009 03:20 pm

Have you been 'tweeted' lately?

YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace. If these are familiar to you then you are aware of elements of social networking. If you are not then you might as well stop here.
The Internet is 40 years old this year. Created initially as a means for scientists and researcher to share information, the Internet has totally transformed the way people live, work and play. We are truly in an explosion of information all around us. Once we were content to sit down at a desktop computer and surf the World Wide Web but recent technological advances have made it possible to surf on “Smart phones” and iPhones. My first few cell phones were definitely “dumb phones” compared to the devices we have now, I mean after all those phones only made phone calls, how backward is that?
All of these different ways to communicate with everyone constantly are mind-blowingly cool to some; but scary, intimidating and intrusive to others. Companies are tapping in to new ways to reach their consumers at ever increasing rates. Many different types of companies and organizations are employing this new media to get the word out to mobile devices in hopes of capturing more market shares. Ad industry data suggests this will increase in the future as more and more of the population get online so to speak.
Recently, there has been some chatter on the web concerning the frustrations of the twenty-something set being upset that Baby Boomers are taking over on some of these sites, once mainly trafficked by only the younger crowd. Like some other cultural phenomenon the Boomers came out in full force into some of these “playgrounds,” much to the dismay of their children. When I mention something on Facebook to my 18-year old she growls, “Mom quit creeping around on Facebook!”
Facebook for many has taken the place of MySpace and most tend to use one or the other, while others still use both to connect with friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Recently, I have corresponded with former classmates, friends I lost track of, and co-workers from several jobs ago. It is wonderful to hear from a long lost friend and since no one writes letters anymore, Facebook is an excellent, free and convenient way to contact people.
Twitter, a micro-blogging site is one of the newest trends and allows users to send very short messages of 140 characters or less, called tweets. Actor Ashton Kutcher had a showdown with CNN to see who could get 1 million followers. Kutcher won. This has a very strong viral effect enabling an actor (even one married to an older Demi Moore.) could beat out a news organization like CNN.
Many of these social networking sites are just beginning to be used for marketing purposes by various companies and the verdict is still out on whether it will be a great venue for getting messages to the masses. Messages may get to consumers but will it really influence their buying decisions? In this challenged economy it is a unique, free tool to reach a lot of people and maybe reconnect with someone you knew long ago.

June 15, 2009 08:56 am

Is customer service dead?

Do you ever wonder just what happened to the “old” adage, “The customer is always right.” It used to be a very big factor with businesses but then came, the internet, fierce competition for business among retailers and a de-personalization of business transactions in general.
I don’t know about you, but I miss it. I constantly remember the training I received early on in my work life from two very successful, small business owners, one who still maintains his business after 60 years. These two pioneers of the Enid retail scene instilled a great sense of responsibility to provide that customer the best possible service you could and it has stayed with me all these years. Cliff Morton, who started his small camera shop in 1948, now Cliff’s Camera and Digital, still greets and serves his customers daily. The other Enid business icon was Bud Vater whose family owned Vater’s Office Supply. Both of these men represented the type of small business owner that makes a success of their business by being there daily and by treating their customers with respect knowing their value as the key to their success. Cliff has maintained his presence despite his competition mainly on service and reputation. Cameras are something that many require a bit of help with and Cliff and his knowledgeable, helpful staff are there to deliver.
One of the downsides to the current retail climate is that for many younger workers there has never been anyone to mentor them or provide a decent example of what customer service is supposed to look like so something that is so important to the customer experience went away and we the “customers” have just accepted that it is long gone and que sera sera.(That is an old Doris Day song so I am really showing my age.) In a nutshell, people have grown to expect to be treated badly or at least not special.
I know I am not alone, one of my friends and I discuss this frustration all the time of going to different establishments and basically being ignored. Either “…someone will be out to help you, I don’t handle that…”or just flat being ignored altogether are a couple of the responses that get our conversations going. In stores, people that are supposed to be managers and responsible for customer satisfaction(so we thought) just act indifferent when asked a question, no attempt to help or express any helpful comment or even empathy if you cannot find one simple, navy blue blazer in the entire store. One way we can fight back is to not return to a store that gives shoddy service, this is probably the ultimate feedback for the way you were treated. Or another option, if the store or restaurant offers surveys about their performance, fill them out or send a letter to their corporate headquarters. Sometimes you get a response which makes you feel that someone genuinely cares about your opinion even if the store or its employees did not.
Many businesses, stores, and restaurants complain that the economy has hit them hard and for most businesses it has had an impact but there are efforts to be made that can keep people coming in to your business—treat them like they are your only customer and they probably will be for life.

June 04, 2009 04:00 pm

Business is about building relationships

Recently, I had the good fortune to become an Enid Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. The Ambassadors attend ribbon cuttings, noon networks, and after hours events at local businesses that are Chamber members. Ambassadors are easily spotted at these events as we are the ones in the navy blue blazers. The chamber mission is dedicated to“…serve the community through the enhancement of the economic climate and quality of life in Enid and the surrounding area.” Check out a few of the community enhancements we have been treated to lately.
One of our strongest community relationships is with Vance Air Force Base. In May, I helped out with this 40 plus year tradition emphasizing that bond with VAFB, Enlisted Appreciation Night. This event offers a night of food, beverage, fun and prizes to the enlisted men and women of the base who work tirelessly to support the mission and duties of the base. According to many, this is unique to VAFB and those who attend greatly appreciate the community outpouring to make the event a success. Next year when this event rolls around and you have some spare time, volunteer your services and you will see the appreciation of the enlisted folks that are so vital to the sustenance of Vance.
Another exciting success is the launch of the Farmer’s Market by Corey Groendyke and Co. Ms. Groendyke has worked diligently to deliver a great community happening where area folks can gather to sell local produce etc. It also is a great reason to get out on a Saturday morning at 8 a.m. to meet and converse with others who congregate at the market. It is located at the old train depot on the corner of Independence and Garriott and begins at 8 a.m. Please get out and support the local vendors.
David Allen Memorial Ballpark is hosting the 2009 National Junior College World Series for the first of a three-year commitment. This is a great boon to the community as teams of young men gather to play in these games and then buses park in front of local businesses to feed them. Food, lodging and other assorted expenditures by the players involved and others attending provide a large impact to the local economy. Enid should get behind this and maintain a first class venue for this event so that we can keep it for the future or at least stay in the rotation. Top-notch facilities like the ballpark make these events possible and show the great connection between corporations, like Advance Food Company, providing more to the community than just jobs but improving the quality of life for the citizens of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma.
These community offerings underscore Enid’s latest, catchphrase, “Come Home to Excellence,” and demonstrate great ways to showcase all that is good about Enid, Oklahoma. Enid has many attributes to attract visitors and prospective settlers to our fair city. Friendly people, low crime rates and it is nearly effortless to get to just about anywhere compared to larger areas like OKC or Dallas. Enid supporters do a great job of promoting our city. The Enid City Commission has accelerated efforts by hiring a consultant who will use his expertise to get the word out about all we have to offer to prospective businesses that will complement our existing ones and hopefully attract some new and exciting business entities and larger retail chains to locate or expand to Enid.

May 27, 2009 10:41 am

BizBuzz new local business blog

May 11, 2009 09:33 am

BizBuzz new local business blog

When approached about writing a business blog, I was thinking, “Wow, someone is going to give me a forum.” Most of my acquaintances know that opinions are not in short-supply here.
Our intent is to entertain and educate our readers about business, jobs, the economy, trends, and any new business developments in the area. We would love to get your comments and thoughts about topics for future blogs.

••••

Friday Night Lights
First Fridays in Enid brings memories of Thursday nights for longtime Enid natives. Once upon a time when all we had was a bustling downtown square, stores stayed open late so working families could shop at the many stores that filled the square. It was a different time then, no 24/7 stores or lifestyle. Life moved at a different pace.
First Fridays is an excellent opportunity to explore the businesses that are open in downtown Enid, but unfortunately there are wide expanses between the stores that are open and or occupied. It is a great idea and when the weather cooperates it is a nice evening in Enid. The David Allen Memorial Ballpark breathes new life into the square and restaurants and bars are filled with those out for an evening in Enid.
It would be great to see Enid's downtown become a center of activity not just on First Fridays but every day. What types of efforts are being done to entice businesses to locate or re-locate to our downtown? Encouragement of retail vendors is certainly a plus as opposed to office-type businesses because it would increase traffic downtown.
Many years ago as the city moved westward and development accelerated there and decelerated downtown, some city leaders warned that they were jeopardizing the future of the downtown status quo but in the interest of progress they were ignored. Now we have a downtown with many empty spaces and a mall with many vacancies. It wasn't broke, but somebody had to fix it and now both could use a shot in the arm. Hopefully, we are attracting them to the attributes of our fair city and not scaring them away by high rents and rules and regulations.

•••

Where's the Beef?
With everyone in the country, and the world for that matter, reeling from the throes of the economic crunch many businesses are choosing to just drop one line item altogether or at least cut and maim it severely. What is it you may ask?
Well, many in business know exactly what is being slashed, their marketing budgets.
So what? There are a few less ads to ignore, or crappy pens to throw away because they do not work. But, what is the real story here? Newspapers are downsizing or laying off workers to minimize their losses. A few more people added to the growing unemployment numbers. But, more importantly businesses are losing because they are pulling back into their shells and causing their names and branding to become a distant memory in the minds of the public. Their egos keep the notion alive that nobody will forget them and we are on the Internet, everybody shops there and it's free.
A couple of things spring to mind here. Yes, the Internet is a fabulous and wonderful vehicle with many possibilities; but, an entire demographic of people may rarely or hardly ever get on and or shop there. Especially in this part of the country, people are not fond of making deals long distance, they want to know and trust who they are dealing with. Another, fact of life is, effective marketing and advertising is a part of our culture. When it is done right, (and that is a salient point), some products and their catch phrases live longer than some of us will.
Remember where's the beef? And those of us who are Oklahoma natives still cringe when you think of annoying “Linda Soundtrack” from OKC, but we still remember.
As times change business practices also must change and evolve. The things that worked in the past may not work for businesses now. Profit margins might not be as fat, but reducing might keep the doors open and might save a few jobs. Offer such great service with a smile that people are willing to shop locally, even if it is slightly higher.
Now is the time to quit whining and do everything better. We all cannot afford to use this economy as a crutch for mediocrity and cutting corners.
Help the local economy. Just go buy something!