VIDA Events and Marketing

Texas State Fair!

2011-08-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

You know the best part of my job? Getting to see my clients succeed!

As most of you know, our dear client, Goat Haus Dairy is growing!!!

This year, they are showing off their great Goat Milk body products at the Go Texan booth at the Texas State Fair!

This is the Fair's 125th year! It takes place, as usual, in Dallas!

Be sure to not only go and get some quality Goat Haus Dairy products,

but also support all the other Texas businesses there! And don't forget to enjoy a good 'ole fried pb, jelly and banana sandwich while you're at it! ;)

Enjoy!

(September 30 - October 23)

Just for fun!

2011-07-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Here's just a fun article I came across that can help you get thru the day!
Enjoy!

http://www.inc.com/50-songs-to-listen-to-at-work/2011/index.html

To take or not to take a vacation?!?!

2011-07-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

I enjoy reading Entrepreneur magazine and finding out about the latest & greatest tips & ideas for entrepreneurs.
This time, though, I came across an interesting article about business owners taking (or not taking) vacation and great things for business owners can do in the hot summer months.
While yes, both Brenda & I will be taking separate vacations, we are also doing many of the items on this list.... (mainly revamping our site!)

So what are YOU doing this summer?!??!

Star of Hope Online Auction

2011-07-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hello VIDA Friends!

We are participating in a silent auction to raise funds for the Star of Hope.

Star of Hope is a Christ-centered provides housing for homeless men, women and their children. Positive life changes are encouraged through structured programs which focus on spiritual

growth, education, employment, life management and recovery from substance abuse.
The auction will be open for bidding for one week. Bidding will end Thursday July 21st at 5:00p.m. To bid, click on the link at the top of each auction page.

There will be two options for payments. The winning bidder will be given the phone number for a Star of Hope representative that will be taking credit card payments over the phone. (preferred method) Credit card payments should be made no later than Tuesday July 26th, 5:00pm. For many auctions that require delivery of the item or gift card, cash payments can also be made at that time. If you have questions about payment before bidding, please contact Melissa at melvo3@hotmail.com.

*Star of Hope will provide the tax donation receipt to all winning bidders.

100% of proceeds go to Star of Hope so please forward this

to all your friends and coworkers!
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING!!

Where has customer service gone?

2011-07-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

The other day I was at one of the major discount retailers in town. I go there about once a week, and contrary to its direct competitor, I usually am greeted by very friendly sales people and cashiers. This day, however, was different - and not in a good way.
This led me to thinking.... where has customer service gone? It seems many sales associates cannot be bothered with simple pleasantries like "hello", "have you found everything you need?"; in fact, some do not even take the trouble to ask you to sign your name when you've handed them your credit card! A simple "thank you" can go a long way!

Not only can great customer service result in repeat business and/or recommendations, but great customer service does not cost anything! It is a cost effective method to make your business grow.

Talk about win/win!

As a small business owner, customer service is paramount to our success. We try to understand each and every need and want our client has, and we try to fulfill it all while displaying a level of professionalism, understanding and etiquette.

Remember, when talking with your client and delivering your product or service, be sure to treat them as you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes. Excellent customer service is free and can take your business far!

Video: A great tool to promote your small business!

2011-07-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

If you're a small business owner, there are variety of ways to make the most of your small marketing budget! I'm sure you've heard of the benefits of using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Blogs, such as this one, are also an effective tool. But sometimes, you can't get your message across quite as clearly and directly as if someone were talking directly to you. Making a video of your company's mission/ideas/vision is a great way to promote what you do, and say it in your own words! Thru video, as explained in the New York Times Article, your company can share its personal message, explain how to use its product, or reach a huge customer base.
Google local videographers in your area, shoot your video, then post your video to YouTube or your company's website and see your company grow!

Spotlight on Toast and Treasures Vendors Phlash Phactory and Cakes by Christian

2011-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Time to shed a little light, better yet, SPOTLIGHT, on two of Toast and Treasure's fabulous sponsors- Phlash Phactory Photo Booths and Cakes by Christian.

Phlash Phactory Photo Booth is a blast from the past, allowing you to reminisce and re-live your youth through fun and fearless snapshots- minus the awkward haircut and braces this time around.

From fashion parties to birthday parties, weddings to restaurant openings, this company has done it all. Check out Phlash Photography's link ( http://phlashphactory.com ) for some phresh and phierce photo inspiration for our big day.

Cakes by Christian is so delicious, so delightful that your tastebuds will be begging you for more long after Toast and Treasures is over.

Christian's custom fondant creations provide customers with more than happy bellies but memories of a breathtaking party pastry as well. Whether you envision a custom cake shaped like your favorite stiletto, or cupcakes topped with out of this world animal print, let Cakes by Christian (cakesbychristian.tumblr.com) be the canvas to your dreams.

And in case your forgot, the second annual Toast and Treasures is next Thursday, February 17th from 6:30pm-9pm at Ruggles Grill. Please be sure to invite all your friends for a fun night out, and purchase tickets today at www.toastandtreasures.com.

Mark Your Calendars, Houston!

2011-01-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already done so, mark your calendars and order your tickets!

Yes Houston, the second-annual Toast and Treasures charity event is very close-Thursday, February 17th from 6:30-9:00 pm at Ruggles Grill, to be exact.

Like last year, the night's event will be in conjunction with the Houston Area Women's Center, building awareness for domestic and sexual violence. And also like last year, this year's event is expected to be a night to remember.

Not only will Toast and Treasure's be an opportunity to socialize with Houston's best, but a party for palettes with Christian's Cakes serving exquisite desserts, pizzaz with Phlash Phactory's photobooth, signature drinks, music, a silent auction, and much more.

And in case you don't know where to buy your tickets, it's http://www.toastandtreasures.com .

Please spread the word by inviting all of your friends and we hope to see you all there!

Great Day Houston!

2010-02-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday truly was a great day for not only Houston, but VIDA!
We got to tape a live plug for today's BIG event - Toast and Treasures!
Debra Duncan graciously allowed us to talk a little bit about Toast and Treasures, while inviting all of Houston to come and support the Houston Area Women's Center!
Yes, we were a little nervous, but nonetheless, we were able to pull it together to say what we needed!

I do hope you all caught us, but if not, here ya go!
VIDA's Plug for Toast and Treasures

We hope to see you tonight! (Ruggles @ 6:30 p.m.)
..... now back to our last minute prepping! ;)

Generous Sponsors

2010-02-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

So yesterday, Brenda & I took to the streets of Houston yet again, in search of more items for our silent auction.
We were truly surprised by the whole experience.
Some people were more than willing and happy to donate, while others responded with "the owner is a stingy, stingy man and does not feel the need to donate to you or any other causes."

Luckily, we were met by more big-hearted and charitable people and companies.
One such man was Dave, from the ever-growing My Fit Foods. We actually only went into his store as an afterthought really.... and only in hope of receiving items for our gift bags. In the end, he not only donated stuff for our gift bags, but also a hefty gift certificate for our silent auction. Thank you, Dave!

After visiting several Uptown Park locations, we headed towards the super popular Washington Avenue. We placed a few more posters, and stopped in at some local stores & boutiques to see what we could find. At Joy Yoga Center, we met a lovely accupuncturist by the name of Susan who was more than supportive of the Toast and Treasures event we are putting on for the Houston Area Women's Center. Consequently, she not only offered to place our flyers and posters up, but she also donated an accupuncture session..... so if you're in the mood for some relaxing needle pricking, then remember to bid on this item!

Hope to see you all on February 25th, at Ruggles Grill for our 1st Annual Toast and Treasures!

Pre-Valentine’s Day Brunch

2010-02-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday VIDA Events and Marketing organized a Pre-Valentine’s Day brunch featuring the natural, hand crafter, and awesome products from Goat Haus Dairy - a family operated goat farm business that makes bath and body products from scratch. The owner, Becky Fraley, uses fresh goats milk collected daily from her goats - or “her girls” - as Becky affectionately calls them. We really enjoyed putting this brunch together for Becky. She is a lovely lady that talks with such passion about her farm and her products! She projects - without a doubt - that she loves what she does and this comes through in her products. What I like about her is how she talks about her clients, how she likes to establish a friendship with them. She even shared an amazing story with us about one of her client that was passing through a rough time with a sick relative; Becky sent her a beautiful basket full of her products. She is just so thoughtful!!!
Carmen and I have tried her products and they are amazing!! They leave your skin so soft and moisturized. My favorites are the Dead Sea Salt Milk Bath and the Body Butter…NICE!!! Carmen tried the peppermint bath fizzie and said that she didn’t need to put lotion on after that relaxing bath… we totally recommend these products!!!

Becky said that she is confident that they have the perfect "formula", and that when using their products, your skin will feel the difference. Her goal is to provide her customers with a product that they can be as satisfied using as she is producing. Goat milk is an incredible moisturizer that is healthy for your skin. It is naturally high in vitamins and minerals that nourish and rejuvenate. So give them a try… your skin will thank you for it especially with this cool weather we are having! ;)

Be sure to visit Goat Haus Dairy to learn more about Becky, the girls, and her products.

Testing the products!!!

Putting up Posters!

2010-02-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

Last week Carmen and I started visiting some of Houston’s cafes… well, more like the community boards inside these cafes to hang up our posters for Toast and Treasures. We're wanting to spread the word about the official kickoff party for the Race Against Violence. Our 1st Annual Toast and Treasures will be a night full of delicious and unique signature cocktails, appetizing hors d’oeuvres and exciting and fun treasures! Guests will enjoy being serenaded by live music, and they’ll also have the opportunity to put on boas, or try on hats while taking comical pictures in an old-fashioned photo booth. Nto be forgotten is the chance to participate in the silent auction of treasures, ranging from a getaway to the luxurious Granduca Hotel to receiving personal training from a top Houston trainer!

Money raised from the evening will benefit the Houston Area Women's Center.We are excited with this event as this is first big event that VIDA is organizing in our fourth month of life…

In our poster- & flyer-hanging adventure we came across some nice surprises… one of them was finding out that we are famous on Facebook! I gave a flyer to a young man who was in line to buy coffee… since we were buying coffee too, I thought “hmmm... I can hand out some flyers to these people… what is the worse that could happen?" ...back to the story… I gave the guy our flyer, and he told us that he recognized it because someone sent the Toast and Treasures invitation on Facebook... that just made our day!!! (Especially since we didn't even know this guy!) Then, while visiting a Café in the Heights to put up more posters, we saw that somebody had already placed posters in that café… Niceeeee!! What a lovely surprise!

This week we will continue our poster-hanging as we enjoy trying different coffee flavors, hoping to discover more nice surprises….

Remeber to visit our website - http://www.toastandtreasures.com/ - and help us spread the word about our event! Hope to see you there! ;)

Nice Surprise!!! our flyers were there already!!!

Great start to this New Year!

2010-01-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

We are still in the works with all things related to our "Toast and Treasures" evening in February.
Along the way, with all the prep that goes into such a great event, I have met and/or talked to truly wonderful individuals who are more than willing to help.
One such lady is Jody Stevens, from jodycakes. She specializes in Vegan, Gluten Free, and Organic Cakes. We are lucky to have her as a sponsor for our upcoming "Toast and Treasures" party which will help kick off the Race Against Violence.

Thank you, Jody!

Vida and VIDA

2010-01-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

Just like Matthew McConaughey's newest baby girl, Vida, our company's name also means life!
That is why we picked it! We wish to help give life to small businesses, all while helping and protecting Mother Earth.

To learn more about VIDA Events and Marketing, please see our website: http://www.vidaeventsmarketing.com/
And if you live in Houston, please be sure to pick up the latest copy of 002houston Magazine to see VIDA's first ad!

2010!!!

2009-12-31T15:33:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year & Feliz Ano Nuevo everyone!

Our First Post

2009-12-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

Well ladies & gents, we are almost "official"!

We're almost ready with our website and Facebook page, and we have our Twitter account (@VIDAEvents) up and running!
This is quite exciting!
We definitely worked backwards, focusing on planning our first big event ("Toast and Treasures" - see http://www.toastandtreasures.com/), and now working on all things VIDA! But sometimes, that's how life goes!
We hope that 2010 brings you great things, everyone! And remember, there are always easy ways to make your life a little "greener"!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!