Monthly Archives: January 2010

Brad Ford Delivers Blogging Inspiration

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bradfordCelebrated interior designer Brad Ford shared his experience delving into the world of social media as a source of inspiration, leading to the wildly popular blog DesignTherapy.com. Blogs are about sharing information but building relationships is just as important. That requires communication and interaction.

He offered valuable insight into why designers blog as well as some basic advice on what’s worked for him. His down-to-earth advice includes:

  • Be first, be best or be different. Find your personality and let that shine through.
  • If you deliver on what people expect, they will pay attention and follow you.
  • Include hints, recipes, images – whatever you can that’s useful to your readers.
  • Offer resources through links. You’ll become a “go to” source, and you’ll reach more people through the links to your trusted resources.
  • Don’t use the blog just to self promote. Offer real information.
  • Leave comments on other sites you read and enjoy – and include your blog site in your signature.
  • Use all the tools that are available including Facebook and Twitter – and link between all your media to promote your blog. Twitter is quick and casual; Facebook is more personal; a blog can offer more indepth insights.
  • Keep content fresh to ensure there’s something new for readers each time they log on and look for you.

Ford never started out to be a blogger – it grew from his personal experiences and now drives his business. The same can happen for you, if you’re smart about your strategy and savvy enough to follow through.

Texture and Color Abound

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January Market is well under way, and things already are buzzing. There’s an enormous range of looks on the floors, but a couple of things stand out on the first day. Lots of texture and bold graphics for Home. Perhaps people want even more interesting home accents and are looking for statement pieces? There are many options for both visual and tactile interest. Look for pieces that incorporate a bold, oversized graphic as well as those that invite touch with 3-D elements. There are pieces to fit any style!

70+ Events, Seminars, Giveaways and Special Guest Appearances

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TylerF_150You’re going to be blown away this Market by everything that there is to explore, discover and participate in! We’re hosting 70+ events, seminars, presentations, giveaways and special guest appearances. There is something for everyone daily!

We’ve got social media classes, including a keynote by social media expert Erik Qualman, AMU seminars, dozens of giveaways, Tyler Florence, Alton Brown, Kathryn M. Ireland, Thom Filicia, Brad Ford and many others!

You’re going to find the newest product here first, plus have a blast at the same time!

See a full events listing here. You can also find details in your Buyers’ Guide (obtained at any registration desk).

Enesco welcomes Hollywood legend Tony Curtis

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tonycurtis_1950Legendary Hollywood Actor/Artist Tony Curtis launches the Celebrity Collection for The Trail of Painted Ponies, one of the premier fine art and collectibles brands in North America.

Tony Curtis’s life-size Painted Pony, titled “Shiloh,” has been crafted into a collectible figurine which will debut in the Enesco showroom in January 2010. Curtis will make a personal appearance on Friday, January 8, from 6-8 p.m. in the Enesco showroom in Building 2, Suite 1616.

A portion of all proceeds generated from the sale of each “Shiloh” figurine will be donated to support Shiloh Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, founded by Jill and Tony Curtis. Shiloh Horse Rescue and Sanctuary is a highly respected organization which provides quality lifetime care for horses rescued from abuse, neglect and peril.

“We are thrilled to partner with American screen icon and renowned painter Tony Curtis for the launch of our new Celebrity Collection. Tony Curtis is an extraordinary and inspirational talent and we are deeply impressed with the charitable commitment of Tony and Jill Curtis” says Karlynn Keyes, President, The Trail of Painted Ponies.

“I am devoted to art and to the mission of Shiloh Horse Sanctuary and am excited and honored to begin work on such a unique project. This will be one Tony Pony,” says Curtis.

The Trail of Painted Ponies started as a public art project in Santa Fe, N.M. and has become an inspiring success story. Each Painted Pony has a unique authenticity, as it begins as an original work of art created by an individual artist. Painted Ponies are supported by bestselling books, an award-winning Web site and companion merchandise.

Hot, Hot, Hot for January 2010

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With more than 6 million square feet of exhibit space and thousands of permanent and temporary Haloexhibitors, options abound at AmericasMart Atlanta. Always at the foreftont of the home and gift industries, here are few concepts for your “must” list for January 2010 shopping:

Techie Gifts – Look for fun, innovative accessories that work with all the technology in our everyday lives.

JonesGet Personal – Look for custom options that go beyond basic monogramming, especially for holidaydecor and decorating in general.

All About the Kids – Kids are on the go with parents; look for products to ease the way.esschert2

Veggie Tales – Images of fruits and vegetables are fun and comfortable.

Peace Baby – The Woodstock Anniversary inspired an array of products for all generations.

Romantic Notions – Spring also brings a return to soft, romantic looks in both fashion and home products.

Multi-purpose – Across generations and demographics, consumers want multi-functional housewares that are ergonomic, well-designed and useful.

AubreyBright Ideas – Intense, bold, high-def colors mimic HDTV in our everyday lives. Look for interpretations from tabletop to home accents.

This is a small sliver of the possibilities available to meet – and exceed – the needs of your customers. Each concept can be interpreted through a range of price points and merchandise styles. Be creative and use ideas as a guideline to selecting the products your customers will buy and enjoy – so they’ll keep coming back to you as their primary resource.