Farmer Markets in Escanaba Michigan

Farmer markets allow people who grow small batches of food and create crafts to sell products. It can be difficult for them to find stores wiling to sell small items as large companies push products at a much cheaper price. The handcraft abilities of local artisans has a place to connect with customers.

Every Saturday morning local small producers come together to set up their tables. What you will find is fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, cookies, coffee and crafts. It is free to put up a table and get your stuff out there.

Located in downtown Escanaba and close to other shopping areas that host coffee shops, bars, restaurants and other retail one can hit the local farmers market and then make their way over to the other establishments.

Escanaba is home to lots of fun things to do in the outdoors and shopping districts. A small city that serves the needs of just about anyone that lives within 30 minutes drive. Campers, vacationers, and others come out and visit the downtown scene.

If your interested in renting a cabin and going on some tours I can put together a little package for you. Email, call or text. 619-540-0501 or muradabel@gmail.com

Unique Ancient Pillars of Rome Photography

Marketing Skills That May Not be Apparent to Graduates

Graduates of marketing programs enter the job market with lots of entry level positions. Having a degree can help them earn more money and in essence progress faster throughout their careers. Skill development in college is important upon graduation where the true test of one's learning becomes apparent. According to a study in Marketing Intelligence & Planning there are a few skills marketing graduates need to work on (Dacko, 2006).

Decision-Making: The ability to make decisions over complex information and create a plan of action.

Leadership: The ability to lead a team of people to accomplish a goal.

Problem Formation: Understanding the market and formulating a problem to work on.

Persuasion: The ability to persuade individuals in a team or customers to take some action.

Creativity: The ability to think about things in a new way and solve problems.

Negotiation: The ability to negotiate and come to better terms.

Dacko, S. (2006). Narrowing the skills gap for marketers of the future. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 24 (3). 

Big Spring Kitch-iti-kipi in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

T'he Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers some of the best places to visit in the world. While some people love city life there are others that desire to escape it when they can. Kitch-iti-kipi  is Michigan's biggest natural spring. You can even see it bubbling on the bottom. The water is crystal clear and the bass are ma-mouth size!

It is only a little way from the parking. Somewhere around 50' or so. You can take a cable boat across where you can see the fish and bottom of the spring with clarity. I have never seen water this clean!

The park also has a store, bathrooms and concession stand on it. Lots of great deals there! We found high quality jackets for $20 with the park name on it. Much better than what you may have found within one of regional department stores.

It is nestled back in the woods and provides a great place to take pictures. This is one of the best little spots to have a picnic and enjoy the supper weather.

If you are interested in renting a cabin and enjoying a number of tours in the area please get in contact with me at 619-540-0501 or muradabel@gmail.com. I will put together a package for you.


http://www.exploringthenorth.com/bigspring/spring.html

Predicting Amazon Sales through Price, Volume, Discounts, Reviews and Sentiments

Sellers often want to know what will predict a product sale. According to a study in the International Journal of Operations & Production Management it is possible to predict products ales through online reviews, consumer sentiment and discounts often influence total sales (Chong, et. al. 2016). Of course they used large data sets.

The findings don't necessarily indicate that price doesn't matter. Other research has show that price almost trumps all with price conscious consumers. However, if we to also look at reviews, sentiment, and discounts we can have a better understanding of potential sales.

Consumer reviews and sentiment help determine how much consumers like the production and whether or not they are receptive to it. When products have a positive impression of a product they are more likely to buy than if they do not.

Likewise, discounts can increase volume of sales when used appropriately.  You don't want to damage your brand but you do want to encourage increased sales of products. Consumers see these discounts as a "deal" to be made.

Big data has made its way into analyzing Amazons offerings. While Amazon themselves may be collecting this information there are not a lot of studies that help us understand how sales are encouraged. Thinking along these lines we can conduct similar reviews within the genre of products we are selling.

Chong, et. al. (2016). Predicting online product sales via online reviews, sentiments, and promotion strategies. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 36 (4).

Go Ahead and Have Another Cup of Coffee for Better Health

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute found that those who drink more coffee lived longer over a 10 year span than those who don't drink coffee. One doesn't have to slurp down gallons as a few cups a day seem to do the trick. No need for premium coffee. It can be caffeinated or decaffeinated. Starbucks or instant. Its all the same!

While it was thought that coffee was not that good for you researchers have found out that isn't true! While all the cream and sugar might be a different story the general use of plain coffee can protect your body.

It is believe that the use of anti-oxidants somehow protect the arteries, improve metabolism, helps the liver and has other benefits. Somewhere along the line coffee interacts with the body to remove toxins and protect the system.

The next time your sitting in that coffee shop debating if you should have another cup of java or not you might as well splurge! It won't do you much harm considering the benefits that researchers have found. If your like me you might even like coffee as your drink of choice. Just make sure you drink some water or it can lead to dehydration!

Too Much Testosterone Leads to Greater Luxury Purchases

People who have more testosterone are much more oriented toward status symbols than those who don't. That is, at least according to a study of men and increased hormone levels. Those who took the hormone bought more stuff (Nave, et. al. 2018). This could help us determine who are the type of people who are willing to pay big bucks for items.

I guess there is something neanderthal about being a cave man that pushes us to buy status symbols to raise our status and attract mates. It seems like at our core we may be a little closer to the animal kingdom than we think we are.

While our psychological make up and culture determine much of what we like and don't like our biological characteristics may push us to buy certain products within our culture perspectives.

High testosterone individuals look at status even when quality is comparable. If it costs more and people think it means wealth and power they are much more willing to buy it.

If you are a marketer you may want to consider how certain brands attract certain types of individuals and their need to buy similar products. For example, people who spend money on fitness supplements and high status clothing may also want luxury cars and watches. Trying different combinations may lead to greater sales associations.

Nave, F. (2018). Single-dose testosterone administration increases men’s preference for status goods. Nature Communications, 9. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/4/17534124/caltech-testosterone-luxury-status-symbols-study-report

Fourth of July and Honoring Our Soldiers

The 4th of July is a time to honor our warriors. While the world has become increasingly complex we are removed from the necessity of defending our villages and towns through citizen-warriors. Today's military is professional requiring significant training and specialization to function well. It wasn't long ago that the average farmer donned a rifle and defended his land to create a revolution that led to our current nation. Honoring our present and past helps us keep in touch with our responsibilities to defend our way of life.

Once upon a time the sign of manhood and loyalty was the ability to be productive and still act as a warrior when needed. Now society has changed and much of this requirement has gone by the wayside as a huge percentage of people no longer need to join the Armed Forces or defend home and hearth personally. We sometimes forget that if we must not actively engage in combat that there is a significant commitment by those who choose military careers.

There is tradition within the military that helps grounds soldiers to a code of conduct and a code of honor. They are trained to work together and respect diversity within their ranks. The military was one of the first places to accept different races, religions and ways of life. The need and right to protect our country is open to just about every physically capable person.

Those in the military often have values that isn't seen among many in the general population. They have a commitment to a belief system that is ingrained in their psyche the first day they step off the white bus and meet their drill instructor. By the time they complete their terms and careers these value systems are completely installed into their view the world.

Honoring the military means having some thankfulness for both the current military and those in the past. They have fought, bled, and overcome challenges to protect our national beliefs. While you may not agree with how our military is always deployed we must still respect the individuals who choose this path. They are an absolute necessity in a turbulent world where the "games" played by countries in their paths to gain influence impact American interest around the globe.

Smart Phone Pop Up Holder and Mount

The Rise of Eco Tourism in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Over the past few years I have gained a greater appreciation for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the activities it holds. Having a beautiful cabin just outside the City of Escanaba and engaging in many of these nature oriented sports I realize that there are few places on the Earth like here. From the pristine forests, waterways, and Great Lakes there isn't much a visitor can't do.

Some of the activities include....

Tour Fishing: Fish the Great Lakes with a tour guide.

Big and Small Game Hunting: Lots of preserves and natural forests to shoot pheasant, deer, buffalo, hog, and bear.

Sailing: Excellent sailing opportunities on wooden ships in traditional style.

Ship Wreck Tours: View sunken ships over a century old from a glass bottom boat.

Kayaking and Hiking: Kayak the Great Lakes and waterways stretching miles.

Hiking and Camping: Plenty of places to hike and stay right on the water.

Iron Mine and Natural Springs: You can view the Iron mines and springs in one afternoon.

Bonfires and Cabin: Stay at a log cabin and sit by the bonfire most of the night.

Nightlife and Cuisine: Enjoy the local nightlife and cuisine of perch, smelt and more.

Waterfalls: Hiking up to local waterfalls and enjoy nature at its best.

If you are interested in renting a cabin and having a package put together for you and your friends/family just send me an email or give me a call. muradabel@gmail.com 619-540-0501