April 28, 2009
Went up to a small business breakfast meeting this morning at Sonora Grill in Carefree. Lots of local business people (like "Pepper The Schlepper!" from Pepper's Private Car Service), who told everyone when he was introduced, "I'm offering a free weekend in Mexico City. Sorry, but face masks are extra."

You've got to love that small town humor. Or, maybe not. But, I do.

The whole deal was set up by Rex Wood (who invited me) and Crystal McNutt. We listened to a phone interview with pro football hall of famer Fran Tarkenton and the head of the Columbus State University Business School, Tim Mascot, and they both gave us a pep talk. "There are plenty of opportunities for nimble business people. Get back to basics. Send hand written notes. Call all of your past, present and current customers and reconnect."

I guess Fran does these small business phone deals every month, and he is hooked up to small business meetings like this all over the country. With iPhones it seems like a telephone presentation without video might be old hat, but I imagine the technology is going to catch up soon.

After the phone presentation we had a raffle drawing and I won two prizes: a dinner for two at El Encanto and a set of wine glasses, so that paid for the breakfast right there.

Got into the office at nine and went right into an editorial image review. Abby, Robert Ray, Meghan and Ashley and myself went through a whole slew of articles looking at available art and debated about what were the best and worst and, or, what would be better. Got some good ideas and traded up in several situations.

Always fun. I love this part of the job.

Joyce and Marv Kaiser called and invited me to lunch. Took me up to Carefree to a new place, Cafe Bink, which is an offshoot of the four-star Cave Creek restaurant Binkley's. Sat outside. Beautiful day. Talked about architects (they are building a new house north of Prescott, totally green), cancer (Joyce beat hers) and The Top Secret Writer's poor health. Had the turkey sando and salad. Marv bought.

Went home after lunch and whipped out a study. Not exactly sure what it means:

I guess it's a dream: A lone girl is facing her fears, either a pained rodent, or an angry buffalo.

Your call.

Our business is doing good. Some big time magazines are off 63% in ad sales, but we are holding our own. Thanks to our hardworking staff, especially Trish, Sue, Michelle and Sheri! They are on the front lines in terms of sales.

"Almost nothing works the first time it's attempted. Just because what you're doing does not seem to be working, doesn't mean it won't work. It just means that it might not work the way you're doing it. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and you wouldn't have an opportunity."
—Bob Parsons, CEO of Go Daddy