Who needs a Snuggie?
Posted by: Kate on: November 20, 2009
When you have Queensboro!
I just read an article about a well-known celebrity from the E! network loving her new snuggie. I suppose when your husband is a pro-football player, you can get something that serves only one purpose–to be a blanket with arms. However, in these lean times, why not get something can function in a multitude of ways? Like, an actual fleece blanket?
Queensboro’s Microfiber Fleece Blanket with Pouch
I have one of these, and I LOVE it. This past week, my nephew visiting from Idaho has been sleeping peacefully under it, along with his Thomas the Train buddy, Molly the Train.
During the extra-long flight from Charlotte, NC to Portland, OR, last fall, Heather, our Customer Service Manager used the blanket to cuddle up and sleep on the way out. You could also fold it up to be a pillow, or act as a neck pillow AND a blanket. WAY more versatile than a snuggie.
Almost every single emergency preparedness article you see lists a blanket as one of the integral components. Perhaps if someone goes into shock, you need to put a blanket over them? In North Carolina, in the Wilmington City Limits, the chances of getting lost in a snowdrift are rare. But, I still like to have a blanket with me. This one’s great because it has its own drawstring pouch, which keeps it from getting dirty and un-folded.
We also took my Nephew to see the movie “Where the Wild Things Are” last weekend. (For the record, he loved it! He’s four.) Max builds some pretty fantastic forts in that movie. Blankets are essential ingredients for fort building.
If you move, you can use the blanket to wrap furniture, or layer between dishes, or sleep on before you unpack your sheets.
Blankets make perfect superman capes.
If you find a litter of puppies that needs to stay warm, you can cover them with your fleece blanket.
With a blanket, you can play hide and seek almost anywhere.
Of course, you can always use a blanket for a picnic.
So, if I had to choose between our fleece blanket and a snuggie, I would definitely choose the blanket. Everyone can use a superman cape!
Fred’s Haiku
Posted by: Kate on: November 19, 2009
The Haiku madness here at Queensboro was entirely concocted by Fred. He was a comparative literature major in College. One day, when I went to pitch something to him, he said he’d only listen if I spoke in Iambic Pentameter. True Story.
So, I’ve been waiting for his spendiferous examples of Queensboro-related Haiku since I started fanatically promoting the in-house contest and the customer contest last week. Here’s Fred’s Haiku Ode to Queensboro, and Fall, and our Operations Manager, Jon.
1.
Yo tribe Queensboro
Holiday time again here
Hope we survive it
2.
Logo shirts crisp air
Fall in Wilmington nc
Live breathe work hard wait
3.
Many great people
Work at Queensboro shirt co
Wilmington n c
4.
Hello smart people
Logo shirts help your business
Buy logo shirts now
5.
When do you need it?
You’ve got to be kidding me
Let me talk to Jon.
Pretty nifty, huh? Well, keep those pencils sharp, because I predict another Haiku contest just around the corner!
Twin Rivers Delivers!
Posted by: Kate on: November 18, 2009
Queensboro accepts donation requests from nonprofit organizations. One of our recent recipients was “Twin Rivers Delivers,” a program of the Twin Rivers Associates, an adult day center in Exeter, NH. Several of the program members are pictured, above, wearing their Weather Resistant Hooded Sport Anoraks from Queensboro.
Four times a week, Twin Rivers Delivers does “bread runs,” picking up day-old baked goods, and taking them to area shelters, food pantries and senior centers.
They also offer a free errand-running service. Seniors can call in orders between 9am and 2:30 pm, and TRD will run their errands. The bank, movie store, grocery, and drug store are popular destinations.
The participants fully enjoy their role in helping the community. Because they operate in all weather conditions, and they visit the homes of many people, matching uniforms are important to lending a professional image and building trust and comfort with their clients.
Read more about Twin Rivers Delivers in an article by the local paper here.
Have a Haiku in You?
Posted by: Kate on: November 12, 2009
Find your inner poet today, and write a Haiku for the Queensboro Haiku contest! Post your Haiku as a comment to this blog, and be sure to enter your email address (which we won’t show, but will need to contact you if you win a prize).
The Grand Prize is a $150 Queensboro Gift Certificate!
So, this is one contest that is definitely worth Entering. We’ll post the top ten in a Poll next Tuesday for customers to vote for the winner.
Feeling confused about a Haiku? Tongue-tied? Here’s some more information:
What is a Haiku and Where did it come from?
You don’t need to know all of the following information to write an inspiring Haiku. However, it is pretty interesting. So, read on about the history, or skip to the next section with Haiku instructions and examples.
Haiku is a form of poetry that originated in Japan. The exact date of its origin is not definitively pinned down, but one of the most famous poets, and the one to elevate the visibility of Haiku was Matsuo Bashō.
He wrote during the Edo Period of Japanese history (late 1600s). His most famous poem, and, possibly, one of the most famous Haiku ever written is this:
Furuike ya
kawazu tobikomu
mizu no oto
– Basho
The poem title, translated, is roughly “The Old Pond.” Because it is almost impossible to translate directly from Japanese to English, there are many different translations.
This is the closest literal translation:
The old pond–
a frog jumps in,
sound of water.
In Japan, a Haiku is composed of 17 syllables. In the United States, and other English Speaking areas, Haiku are generally written in three lines. First and third have five syllables, and the second line has seven. Generally a seasonal reference is included in the poem. Basho roamed the countryside, writing Haiku about the world around him, and almost always included a natural reference.
Here’s the Wikipedia entry about Haiku, for more information than you ever wanted to know.
Haiku Examples
Here are some Haiku from famous and award-winning writers:
The low yellow
moon above the
Quiet lamplit house
-Jack Kerouac
waves in the spiral
of a seashell. . .
summer vacation
-Natalia L. Rudychev
day moon
a trail of goose prints
in the snow
-Timothy Russell
How to Participate in the Haiku Contest
It is quite easy! Simply comment to this blog post with your Haiku! Grand prize is a $150 Queensboro Gift Certificate. We’ll also draw a winner from the participants to receive a different prize. To be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE, your Haiku must be somehow Queensboro related. (Shirts, small business, logos, hats, golf shirts, etc.)
Post your Haiku to the blog NO LATER than Monday, November 16 at 5:00 PM EST. We’ll set up a poll to pick a winner on Tuesday.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Happy Veterans Day! How YOU can help
Posted by: Kate on: November 11, 2009
Queensboro has many veterans as customers. We also count among our customer groups people who provide services to veterans and family members of veterans. Several Queensboro staff members have served, and many have family members who have served, or are actively serving in the military now.
To all of those people we know, today we say “Thank You.”
In addition to the many servicemen and women we do know, there are thousands we have not yet been fortunate to meet. However, we have tried to to a little something to help when we can. So, for this Veterans Day, in addition to expressing our gratitude in this blog, I wanted to give you some links to places you can visit in order to help or say thank you to veterans and their families. Please, click one of the links below and find a way that you and your family, school or community organization can help.
Blue Star Families
This organization provides support and community for family members of actively serving military personnel. They have a fantastic program, in which Queensboro participated earlier this year, called “Operation Appreciation.” You can write a card to the parent, spouse or child of an actively serving member of the military, or to a veteran, to say thank you for their contributions and sacrifice. Too often, the families are overlooked for the contributions they make by supporting and sharing their family members with us.
Visit the Operation Appreciation page of Blue Star Families for instructions for writing and sending a card.
Honor Flight Network
World War II Veterans are passing away at an accelerated rate. Because the World War II memorial was only recently completed, many have not had the chance to visit the memorial erected to honor their sacrifices. The Honor Flight Network partners with Southwest Airlines and other sponsors to fly WWII Veterans, free of charge, to visit the memorial and tour the Washington, D.C. area. This year, Queensboro outfitted the guides for an Honor Tour leaving from Missouri, which is how we learned about the initiative to help Veterans see their special memorial.
Once World War II Veterans are no longer able to travel, the network will begin focusing on Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. It costs $15,000 to send a full plane of veterans to the D.C. area. Visit the Honor Flight Network page to find out how you can help make these trips a reality.
Carolina Canines for Veterans
This organization is near and dear to my heart because my husband found a dog that we vetted and, ultimately had to turn over to Tails U Win, here in town, who then donated her to Carolina Canines. We loved that dog, but we couldn’t keep her, and we are so grateful for both Tails U Win and Carolina Canines for taking her. She was part of the pilot program to train dogs to help wounded Veterans. Queensboro will be donating shirts for their 2010 Walk for those who Can’t here in Wilmington, NC. If you’d like more information about helping this organization help Veterans, please visit their website.
The above organizations are just a few that work to support veterans and their families. For all of the veterans we know, and those we have not met, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your sacrifices and your service to our country.
Get a New Logo
Posted by: queensboro on: November 10, 2009
If you’re reading this blog post, you might have a small business. You might have a logo, but need a new one. You might have designed your own logo using clip art. Your kid might have designed your logo. If you’re reading this blog post, you might need a new logo.
You might also think: There’s no WAY I can afford a new logo.
For starters, because your logo is one of the most important aspects of brand identity, using a less-than-professional, clearly clip art logo isn’t putting your best foot forward. If you’re worried about spending $5,000 or even $1,000 on a logo, and can’t do that, don’t despair. CALL QUEENSBORO.
A little-known aspect of our business (we’re working to make it more prominent) is our logo design option. We have various logo design and logo-editing packages that cost between $10 and $35. A simple logo creation-text and a very simple image could be as low as $10. For just $35, though, you can have help from our logo design team which will create you an ENTIRELY NEW LOGO.
No, you did not just read that wrong. You can have a WHOLE ENTIRE BRAND NEW LOGO for just $35. (Wow, that just sounded like Fred!)
If you’ve been stuck with a clip-art logo or something similar email or call us today, tomorrow, or soon! We’ll help. Here’s an example!
3-2-1-CONTRACT
Here’s an example of the logo design process.
After the logo has been created, it will be available for embroidery and printing at Queensboro. Customers can elect to purchase the high-resolution artwork of their logo, for use on stationary, advertising, or other uses for $50.
All in all, an affordable option for small busineses and organizations to project a professional image. Contact Queensboro today for help!
2009 Chili Cookoff Photos
Posted by: queensboro on: November 6, 2009
Friday, October 30th, was the annual Chili Cookoff at Queensboro. Competition was stiff, with several former winners competing for the grand prize.
Below, everyone lines up to try a bite of each chili.
Each chili is labeled regarding spiciness, meat content, etc.
Grand Prize Winner, Jenn E. serving up her Chili! (remember, last week we shared her recipe!)
Fred, President of Queensboro, sampling the chili.
Fred with second place winner Charlotte. She’s dressed as “vacation girl” for Halloween. Apparently, she’s the only one that dressed up! I stand corrected. See Jen B’s comment below. HOWEVER, because she was a participant, maybe people didn’t think hers was a costume.
Fred is wearing his “Better off Thread” admin team shirt. Queensboro has new “teams” for various events/activities, and each team shirt was debuted on Friday.
Charlotte’s excited about winning an MP3 player!
Fred with Jenn E, the big winner!
Congratulations to all of the competitors!
Fantastic Business Blogs
Posted by: Kate on: November 2, 2009
Because so many of Queensboro’s customers are businesses, and because I spend a fair amount of time combing the web looking for business blogs and ideas, I thought I’d share some of the resources that I’ve found. Hopefully you’ll find some useful nuggets of info in these blogs, and one or two that speaks to your individual business.
I only put blogs on this list that I think are interesting, and contribute something new and valuable. No boring blogs here! Also, I’ve focused on the communication aspect of small business marketing, as opposed to the “techie” side. You can always hire someone to do “tech.” It is harder to find people to market without sounding like robots. (Whether we do that well is entirely in the eye of the beholder. But, we try. To sound human, not like a robot.)
Duct Tape Marketing: http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/
Blog by leading Small Business Marketing Coach John Jantsch, full of practical and easy to implement marketing strategies.
Church of the Customer: http://customerevangelists.typepad.com/blog/
Fantastic blog about word-0f-mouth marketing, the impact of customers on brand success, and other topics that should be common sense, but, unfortunately aren’t always.
Seth Godin’s Blog: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
Some people say Seth Godin is the master of communicating the obvious. Some people hang on every word. I enjoy his daily tidbits, which almost always help me see business related issues in different ways. And to his detractors, I say–well, then why aren’t you a ga-trillionaire like Seth if you already know everything he has to say? Why didn’t you publish it first?
Bookmark his blog and take a minute to read it daily. You will find fresh inspiration and new things to try.
All Things Workplace: http://www.allthingsworkplace.com/
Primarily a blog about leadership. Fairly basic stuff, but presented in an easy to read format.
Presentation Zen: http://www.presentationzen.com/
Garr Reynolds’ blog about creating dynamic presentations. Ideas for graphics, timing, and other factors that go into a great presentation in almost any media.
Work Matters: http://bobsutton.typepad.com/my_weblog/
A fascinating blog that primarily reports and comments about workplace related research. More cerebral than action-oriented. People who like to read and analyze will appreciate this blog.
Copy Blogger: http://www.copyblogger.com/
Primarily focused on business blogging, this great blog has tons of wonderful marketing tips, and writing tips. A lot of bloggers start blogging without much writing training. This site gives some good tips for improving your writing, making it more engaging, and converting more customers.
Ted-Ideas worth Spreading: http://www.ted.com/
Video casts about almost every topic under the sun. New ideas, ways of looking at things, etc. “Brain Candy” for the business person.
Last updated 10/28/09
BREAKING NEWS: Chili Cookoff Winner!
Posted by: queensboro on: October 30, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS Jenn E for your CHILI COOKOFF WIN!
Pictures forthcoming. . .
