Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:27:46 -0700WeeblyTue, 17 Nov 2020 16:54:11 GMThttps://www.theericideaagency.com/ericsideablog/a-benefit-for-businesses-pay-it-forwardThis blog is about something good, really good, for the businesses who have been struggling to survive. 

Since March, we have been in unchartered territory. We have seen restrictions, particularly in the retail, restaurant and entertainment business. We know these restrictions are important for the health and well being of the owners, employees, and customers. But we need some good news. We need to find a way to promote these businesses, to get them attention, to bring the people back.  We know all about zoom traffic, but we want foot traffic. What can we do that will be minimal for cost but will benefit the business financially in the long run?

In this case, my thought is you have to give something to get something. A perfect opportunity is a gift certificate for your products or services. Let's give an example, with a fictional restaurant and lounge. A $50 gift certificate to Dusty's Diner is a great deal! I've heard about their dinner specials, which could be Ozzie's famous omelette or Julie's famous jambalaya. Wow, if I win that $50 gift certificate, then we are going to go try Dusty's Diner sometime. After all, if we won something, we are going to use it.  And, if we really like their food, we'll go back. And, we'll tell others.

Get the drift? That $50 gift certificate goes a long way for a business. First, it is promoted by the charity organization doing the raffle. It's posted on their website. Then the winner receives it and sure enough, it "pays forward." That means, more recognition, more customers. And, more of those awesome omelettes and juicy jambalaya dishes.

Sound interesting? Where would I find a raffle to promote my business? Well, you came to the right place, because "I have an idea!" Because, that's what I do.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year program (CDSWOY.COM) honors outstanding high school and college female student-athletes for excellence in community service, academics and athletics. CDSWOY will conduct an online raffle early in the spring, with a grand prize of a three day stay at a four star hotel at a major U.S. city (good for 36 months), along with a $150 gift card to The Capital Grille. This is a $1,500 value. But that raffle will also include numerous prizes from local businesses...like Dusty's Diner? How about YOUR business?

Let's promote your business. Let's plan on getting those customers back when we promote this raffle. Let's get new customers. Let's "pay it forward." 

For more information, write me at eric@theericideaagency.com. I'll give you all the details. And hey, if you or a friend's business provides that gift certificate, maybe the omelette is on me!]]>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:40:30 GMThttps://www.theericideaagency.com/ericsideablog/an-ideaa-new-blogWelcome to the first blog from The Eric Idea Agency!

OK, summer is gone, and it wasn’t the same of course. We missed the fairs and carnivals and parties and outdoor performances and baseball games and village stores and restaurants and other wonderful and joyous summer traditions that were taken away from us. Most of all, we missed the interaction with our friends. We needed good news.
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Well, guess what? We had some. Yes, really!

In late August, The Eric Idea Agency hosted the first Capital District Sports Women of the Year Awards Event. It was originally scheduled for May at a performing arts venue, but “you know what” got in the way. (I won’t dignify it by name). A total of 13 female student-athletes from high schools and colleges in the region were recognized and honored for outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. These young ladies, (12 of whom were seniors) lost out on post-season awards, team banquets, playoff events, proms, traditional graduation ceremonies, and saying goodbye to their teammates and coaches.

So, it was important that “it” wound not prevent us from providing them with a richly deserved evening of celebration. After our postponement from May and the fact we could not hold the event at a performing arts facility, we provided the event at a hotel in August with the guidelines and limited attendance in place. It was so nice to see the faces behind the names, meeting these stars in person. Read more and check out our photo gallery at CDSWOY.COM.

​I hope you know of people and businesses who would be interested in supporting CDSWOY, and there are donation and advertising and sponsorship pages linked at the website.

So, yes, there was good news. And it was great to see smiles behind the mask, smiles that will last with all of us and you, when you read about these remarkable young ladies.
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Thanks for reading and thanks for your time. Keep smiling!
 

]]>Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:05:11 GMThttps://www.theericideaagency.com/ericsideablog/and-now-it-begins-this-is-the-first-blog-for-the-eric-idea-agency-as-the-summer-has-drifted-away-and-the-fall-has-begun-its-time-to-look-back-and-thus-look-forward-with-a-smile-and-hope-yes-it-was-a-tough-summer-no-fairs-no-movies-no-lakes-and