Today’s Sunday Doughnut comes to us from Gail Bower, CEO of Gail Bower Consulting LLC. Gail has an amazing background specializing in raising the visibility, revenue, and impact of non-profit organizations. She's a professional consultant, writer, and speaker, with more than 20 years of experience managing some of the country's most important events, festivals and sponsorships and implementing marketing programs for clients. (Business Philadelphia named Gail among the "100 People to Watch" in 1993.) Launched in 1987, today Bower & Co. improves the effectiveness and results of clients' marketing, events, and corporate sponsorship programs.

I’ve gotten to know Gail over the last few years and I can tell you that she is brilliant, talented, and authentic and willing to share her knowledge and experience.

Imagine being able to spend a half-hour with someone who has advised clients in industries and disciplines ranging from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, to the University of Pennsylvania to events like two presidential inaugurations.

In today’s interview she offers advice for freelancers and new entrepreneurs as well as a new idea about the role content strategy plays between both buyers and sellers.

You can learn more about Gail at her website http://gailbower.com/  and her blog http://www.sponsorshipstrategist.com/ . Her book, “How to Jump-start Your Sponsorship Strategy in Tough Times” is available on her site.

"Wisdom is knowing what not to do." Tim & Bev Walden

Tim and Beverly took over Walden’s Photography from Tim’s father in 1980, taking the studio in an entirely different direction when they developed their trademark “Relationship” Black and White Fine Art portraiture. Today, they run a high-end studio, providing beautifully crafted portraits in an elegant studio with impeccable customer service. Tim and Bev live in Lexington, KY.

Their marketing wisdom and business principles are applicable to any small business. Take time to listen to them and you won't be disappointed.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Shupei Chiao, Managing Director of Drexel Heritage Home Furnishings and Thomasville Home Furnishings in the Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA markets. He also manages a real estate development arm of the private business.

Shupei grew up in Pittsburgh where his family still runs three Thomasville Furniture stores. Starting there working doing every job in the company, Shupei eventually relocated to AZ and CA where he has built one of the most successful retail furniture businesses of its type.

We talk about some of the keys to his success as well as what changes he has seen in the market place these past few years. Shupei also shares some of his ideas for future growth that can be applied to your business too.

Find out more about his stores at http://www.thomasville.com/ and http://www.drexelheritage.com/.

Becky Blanton is a former journalist with 22 + years experience as an award-winning reporter, photojournalist and editor. She’s currently traveling around the USA in her 1975 Chevy Van with her aging Rottweiler and working on a new series of books called “The October Abduction of Thomas Martin,” based on events, UFO sightings, cattle mutilations and bizarre things she’s covered in her life as a journalist. For more info and to see the covers of upcoming books, go to http://octoberabduction.com.
Becky is also a ghost and copy-writer, helping individuals and businesses discover and “tell their story.”

A TED Global 2009 speaker, Becky spoke about her year of being homeless to a standing room only crowd at TED University in Oxford, England July 21st, 2009. The video of her talk may be viewed at: http://www.ted.com/talks/becky_blanton_the_year_i_was_homeless.html
Nine Stories: A TED Talks Playlist

In today's interview, Becky and I discuss what it's like to to be a freelancer in today's world.

EchoSat was formed as a division of Tower Communications, Inc., and founded by CEO, C. L. "Lee" Rutherford.  EchoSat is in the second generation of private ownership. Lee still remains active in the management of EchoSat but is assisted by a hand picked, dedicated team of individuals and two of his three sons.  Each team member addresses challenges and solutions with one thought in mind - "Our name and reputation rides on every product, service and solution we provide."

EchoSat was originally started as a one-way only satellite group.  They provided many large national retail chain outlets with customized radio networks.  Their most recognizable work was the creation of KMART Radio, the Kmart Radio Network featured in all Kmart stores.

This is the final chapter to my five-part series on customer service.

Seth Godin and Bob Poole discuss Seth's new book, "Poke the Box." Learn what it means to be an intiator and box poker and why that is so important in today's revolutionary economy.

In this podcast, Bob Poole and Guy Kawasaki discuss Guy's latest book, Enchantment - The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions.

This book is both an action plan and a philosophy that will help launch a new business and or take your current company to new heights of profitability and enchantment.

Dr. Loren Cordain, Nell Stephenson and Bob Poole discuss The Paleo Diet Cookbook which has just been released and is available on Amazon.com.

The Paleo Diet Cookbook: More than 150 recipes for Paleo Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks, and Beverages

Ian Aspin and Bob Poole talk about making connections around the world and collaborating on projects and dreams. You can find more of Ian at http://www.reallygoodthinking.com.