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Posts Tagged ‘year’

It seems unfair to the other girls on the Little League team if the High School junior varsity girls are allowed to play on their team as well on the varsity team. Wondering if anyone knows what the regulations are on this.

Major League Baseball players’ union opposed to Arizona immigration law
The Major League Baseball players’ union says it opposes the new Arizona immigration law.

Read more on ESPN

Ten Greatest Baseball Quotes You’ve Never Heard
Baseball is unlike any other American sport. While its popularity has diminished and has been overtaken by the NFL, there is no denying its rich history. Over the history of the game, many words have been used to describe it. Again, there is no denying baseball is steeped with some of the best quotes ever. Many are well known: Yogi’s, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”, Ernie Banks’, “Let’s play two …

Read more on Bleacher Report

Palo Alto finishes off perfect De Anza Division baseball season at 14-0
==BI Friday’s boys’ prep roundup== Palo Alto baseball coach Erick Raich made sure all his seniors saw some playing time on Friday as the Vikings closed their regular season at home. Raich also wanted something equally important, like one more victory – for his seniors, his team and the program. by PaloAltoOnline.com

Read more on Palo Alto Weekly

PSAL/Private baseball roundup: South Bronx shocks Clinton, hands Governors first league loss
Genesis Milian struck out seven and allowed five hits, leading South Bronx to a 5-1 upset of DeWitt Clinton in Bronx A East baseball Friday afternoon. Angel Oyola had three hits and an RBI, Luinlly Suazo scored a run and also drove in a run for the Phoenix, which snapped…

Read more on New York Post

Baseball Conchs done for the year
The proud Key West High School baseball program took a hit Wednesday when Mater Academy ended the Conchs’ season with a 4-1 victory in a District 16-4A semifinal game at Belen Jesuit in Miami.

Read more on Florida Keys Keynoter

While we all want to increase our profits, one of the most important things to remember is that to build a business that will stand the test of time, you MUST have a strong and loyal customer base. But how do you get loyalty out of a customer, especially in today’s business world? I have outlined a few things that I have helped others implement that have strengthened your customer base. Most of the tips apply to those who have been in business less than 3 years, but if you are a business veteran feel free to “double-check” to see how many of these you do regularly:

* You must research your target audience’s needs and wants. Anticipate any objections your visitors may have about your product offer. Remember, its your business, but you must appeal to your customer’s needs and wants.

* Remember not to use outrageous or unbelievable claims in your ad copy. Don’t say “Biggest or Best” if you are not. People are too savvy online and won’t believe you. Instead of outrageous claims, use testimonials.

* If you are just starting out, pick a good name for your business and product. Your names should be memorable and describe the kind of product your offering. Many people have business titles that are a play on something else, such as the barber who called his shop “The Golden Shears” or “Central Perk” from the TV show Friends.

* Solve your customer complaints by being quick and friendly. The faster you respond, the more your customers feel you care about them. This can almost always bring the customer back to you, and is more valuable than a lower price.

* Never think your customers are satisfied with their purchase. You should be constantly finding new ways to better your products and services.

* Market yourself, as well as your product. Remember products come and go, but you need to promote yourself and your services. Your products are secondary. To promote yourself, you could write articles, ebooks, do free consulting, do speaking engagements, etc.

* Find new target audiences for your products or services. For example, if you’re selling coffee to stores try to also sell it to coffee shops. See if they will let you advertise this in their menu, with a little sticker (reprinting the menus are too expensive).

* Use logos and slogans for your business. They make it easier for people to remember and identify your business. Think of Nike and their “swoosh”. It doesn’t even have to say Nike and you know what it is.

* Try to get a story written in the local paper about your business every 5 years or so. If the “main” paper won’t do it, there are probably a few local papers that you can get to write a story. This keeps you in the public eye & it is free. I have gone to many restaurants, shops, etc, because of what I had read in the paper.

* Offer free samples or trials of your product. This will let people experience your product and attract people to your business. If your in the restaurant business, make a large serving of a new dish and offer your guest samples while they wait for their main order.

* Get involved with the community. Donating your products/services to schools, churches, or sponsor kids soccer or little league teams is a good way to get involved & getting your name out there.

Hopefully these have helped you at least a little bit. Whether you are in a small town or a large metropolitan area, people feel more comfortable if they know who they are buying from and support. Good luck!

We know quite a few baseball players will not have a job come spring training. Who do you think will be out of baseball/retiring soon?

My money is on Frank Thomas, Nomar, Tom Glavine, Moises Alou, Ivan Rodriguez to officially hang it up soon.

I am not sure about Jim Edmonds, Ken Griffey, or Luis Gonzo for that matter.

Who do you think will be out of baseball come the 2009 season?