Masthead
Keep it Simple...Keep it Real
November 2008 Edition
Issue 31
The First Thanksgiving

It's no folk tale...we're living through tough economic times. The key to surviving, thriving, and emerging stronger is creating a plan, staying calm and focused, cultivating the right relationships, remembering what's truly important -- in life and business -- and reacting quickly and creatively to new challenges. Look to past recessions and life challenges to find inner strength, business ideas, and profit sources. Even those starving pilgrims were able to finally sit down to a hot meal after a pretty heinous winter. Read on and be grateful for the good things in life...

Nancy & theONswitch Team

P.S. To support all our friends and colleagues through these tough times, we will be providing FREE advertising via our December edition of 30-Second Current and our Postive Energy offer. If you are interested, please contact us about how to qualify.

Chill Out...Don't Check Out
Transformers: Trends & Facts
Lipstick

Will the economic crisis kill you or cure you? Although the American Psychological Association reports that money-related stress levels are up (especially among women), some studies indicate that hard times can lead to healthier lifestyles.

Buy a lipstick, but blot with generic toilet paper. Lipstick sales actually go up during recessions, but consumers are radically changing their shopping behavior when combing the aisles for napkins, diapers, and other paper products.

Grandpa (and ma) know best. 80-something adults who lived through the Depression have this wisdom to impart to our generations. "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" are words we can all learn to embrace.

Brother, Can You Spare a Brilliant Idea?
More Amps: New Marketing Services
Piggy Bank and Energy Efficient Bulb

Online media (including social media networking) is an economical way to market your business and find new prospects. theONswitch will offer a FREE 1/2 hour recession-special NEON consultation to the first 10 businesses who contact us.

For more ways to market cost-effectively, see Nancy A. Shenker's article in the New York Enterprise Report.

Events can be an energizing way to connect with new prospects. theONswitch BOND is our new "experience" division...focused on planning and managing gatherings that build relationships, revenue, and media attention (see examples at right). And, we've added a fantastic foto album to our site to "capture the moments."

The best experiences are those that help preserve the planet. Check out the GreenHampton EXPO.

Obscure Fact of the Month
The Art of Survival
Climbing Mount Rushmore

During the 1930s, starving artists were commissioned to paint murals in public buildings. Jackson Pollack got his start this way...and Mount Rushmore was completed as a result of a loan by the WPA

Blog...blog...blog...
Typewriter

Think like a pilgrim! theONblog will help you use your inner Squanto to get through tough economic times.

And Hippy to Wiki covers Thanksgiving the way it used to be. Talk turkey and share your childhood stories too!

A Cornucopia of Creativity
Building Buzz: New Clients/New Work
Horn of Plenty

Clients gave thanks this month, as they filled their databases with lots of new leads. The Hudson Hues boat was full and NBC-News did their weather broadcast from the Yonkers Pier. "We Believe in Yonkers" drew a huge community and potential tenant crowd to 66main, and the historic art exhibit was the subject of a feature article and local TV news. And the Kohl Industrial Park Topping Off ceremony was attended by Rockland movers and shakers (and covered in local media).

Let there be cake! That's the theme of a new ad campaign, developed for Carousel Cakes by our spectacular creative director, Robert. And, with every purchase, you get a "Cake Coin," good for $$ off a cake, pie, or cupcakes. Just in time to pick up that pumpkin cheese pie for Aunt Rose. Could anything be sweeter?

Relax, wax, and feel "kneaded." Oasis Day Spa officially opened in Westchester. (theONswitch team agrees...you'll love the treatments...and the robes!) 15% off deal for 30-Second Current readers! Get a facial/massage "lunchtime delight" treatment for under $100! Other fantastic deals too. Contact us for your discount card.

Forego that pumpkin latte this week. For as little as $5, you can help make a child wiser for life. Check out Yonkers Partners in Education Yonkers Reads! program. (theONswitch donates its PR/marketing services to YPIE.)

Feast, Don't Famine
Plug into Upcoming Events
Mom Serving Turkey

Westchesterites (and Connecticuteers) are welcome to join theONswitch at Anitpastipalooza, an after-work Happy Hour on Tuesday, December 2 from 6 to 7 at Antipasti in White Plains. The snacks are free, the drinks are 1/2 price, and the company is (of course) electric! RSVP on our Facebook page, or just call us @ 914.773.4225 (the good old fashioned way).

And if East appeals to you more than North, hop the Jitney to Southampton on December 8, when we'll be joining the founders of Green Drinks Hamptons for a special announcement at 75 Main -- the first-ever GreenHampton EXPO. Go Green Displays is donating the Peacock.

Random Sparks
Ideas & Odds & Ends
Dice

Bring back the Board Game! Even if your bank won't loan you cash, the Parker Brothers still have some. The history of Monopoly (invented during the 1930's) is fascinating. And playing with friends will make you rich with glee (even if you can't snag Park Place).

Despite the thrill of games and endless football watching, Thanksgiving family gatherings can be a huge stress generator. Here are some sound tips for staying calm and grateful.

Ho...ho...ho. Only YOU know if you've been naughty or nice this year! But theONswitch 30-Second Current December Edition is guaranteed to bring you holiday cheer (especially with our "Positive Energy" free advertising offer).

Signature
Nancy A. Shenker
theONswitch
phone: 914.773.4225