Your Military Community: How to...

"Area Tourism" is Our Newest Category

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:09:00 +0000

We are always looking for new ideas to help the military community as they relocate, travel, seek new information about their area and find ways to reach out using online resources! So we were quite excited when the idea of an Area Tourism category was suggested.

We decided to create this category to fill this need for Tourism Offices, Convention Bureaus, Chamber of Commerce or other organizations to reach out to the military community.

See our first ad in Area Tourism that was placed at Ft Campbell and Ft Knox by Vevay/Switzerland County! It is a great ad and provides great coverage for all area businesses (many of whom have their own individual ads in their categories providing a great synergism)!

Does your area have an organization that handles tourism? If so, let the military know about your great resources, rest and relaxation opportunities, area highlights, tourist sites, etc through an ad at MilitaryAvenue in our newest category! Remind them how often the military relocate and how transitioning in a new community can be stressful!

Helping a military family find resources is the least we can do for those who serve us all so well! Thank you from the MilitaryAvenue team!

July Featured Military Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 +0000

The heat of summer is here and our pets need to be groomed to help make it easier for them. Here is a great military family owned company that will come to you in the Panhandle of Florida!

This Month's Featured Military Reward is given to:

ZOOM GROOM Mobile Pet Spa

Their Military Reward says:

We give a ten percent discount to all active, reserve, Guard, retired military and family members. Present this coupon for a free bag of Boggy Dog Bakery Gourmet Dog Treats at your pet's first grooming appointment. Limit one bag per family. Discount not available on "The Basics" grooming package.

Click here to view coupon featured at: Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field or Duke Field.

A special thank you to Zoom Groom Mobile Pet Spa and all of our MAPP partners for supporting your military community with your Rewards.

Why Should Your Business Offer A Military Discount?

We choose a Featured MilitaryReward each month to highlight our Partners and their wonderful support to the military community! Our military family team chooses one based on value for the military family and how well it sends the message "military friendly business".

MAPP Tip of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:28:00 +0000

I spend a large part of my day reviewing your ads at MilitaryAvenue! Our new MAPP partners increase every day, some wisely update their ads, others place additional ads after their first (we allow three free ads within 100 miles) and some upgrade to get better visibility! While reviewing these ads I see how frequently ads are being opened by our viewers with our Tracking System.

I try to decipher why some ads are being visited (clicked on) more frequently than others. I have not done a scientific study but here are some ideas from my gut! I may have to do the scientific study someday when time and resources allow.

First, the ads opened most frequently are what the consumer needs. The ads speak to the military community with their service/product. This is a tough economic time but the military community is still relocating and looking for you in their new community! Wonder how long settling in takes? More than a year for this family who relocated 18 times and we were pretty good at it! Catch them before they get there or at the front door!

Second, the Military Reward is seen as military friendly! I have written about this before but I can't say it enough. The discount does not have to be large to be appealing but how you say it needs to be large! Thank them for their service to this great country! Remember we are at war and many have deployments in the future, are deployed or just returned. Note: A military family can tell when you do the minimum to get a free ad.

Third, tell them about yourself in the ad! There is a lot of room in the business profile, professional credentials, etc. that allow you to explain who you are. Remember, they don't know you from Adam! They are frequently new in the community--looking for a friendly face, product, service and you have a chance to tell them about you! Sometimes once is all you get! Putting your best foot forward is the old cliche! If you have a section for additional information with a paid ad, use it! Same with the images! They speak to someone about your business! Send them a message--friendly, welcoming, comfortable, etc!

Fourth, network with the military community and your fellow business friends! Tell other military friendly businesses about MilitaryAvenue and increase the number of ads at your installation. The more popular the installation, the more views, visits you get! Willing to take the lead at an installation? We provide a discount coupon for paid ads for multiple sign ups! Contact me at dale@militaryavenue.com for more information.

Finally, keep your ad up and current! I know we are all busy but 5 minutes a month to Log In and review your ads currency, edit and update! Also, you can check on the visits and see how you are doing with the Tracking System! Maybe the ad needs tweeking to bring more viewers to your business?

One last comment for you! The kiss of death for an ad is one that is built and walked away from for a year till renewal! Stay involved! Sign up for Answers (help the military community by answering a question about your area); Twitter with military personnel. Many military offices/units now have twitter accounts and we are starting to post them on the site. Have a great summer!

June Featured Military Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Are you a member of a group such as the Chamber of Commerce, a Mall, or Neighborhood Association? Want to start your own military friendly organization in your town like several businesses near Ft Leavenworth have done? The winner of the Featured Military Reward this month is a Mall with several businesses offering a Reward for military service! This could spur others to do the same!

This Month's Featured Military Reward is given to:

Liberty Village Premium Outlets

Their Military Reward says:

Military personnel and dependents who show current military ID at the Info Center will receive a FREE VIP Coupon Book with hundreds of dollars in savings offers (reg $5) redeemable at participating stores. Individual stores offering military (with ID) discounts* include Bass, Designer Fragrances & Cosmetic Co. - Lancôme, Izod, Jockey, L’eggs Hanes Bali Playtex, Nautica, Nike Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen and Zales Outlet. *See store for details. Restrictions and terms apply.

Click here to view coupon featured at McGuire AFB, Ft Dix or Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base.

A special thank you to Liberty Village Premium Outlets and all of our MAPP partners for supporting your military community with your Rewards.

Why Should Your Business Offer A Military Discount?

New Posts ~new opportunites~ on MilitaryAvenue.com

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:58:00 +0000

We have recently added two more installations to MilitaryAvenue.com at the request of our users, our military family!

I just signed up. (for Military Alerts) It is a great site! I sent a message asking to add Camp Shelby as one of the institutions. - MP Wife

It is exciting when we get feedback from our military members and their spouses. Daily we find out what they want on the site, what they haven't been able to find anywhere else, what is missing, what we can improve, what they *love*.

So for the moment we have two 'stubs', Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, near Hattiesburg, Mississippi as well as Broken Arrow Armed Forces Reserve Center, near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Do you have colleagues in this area? Let them know!

They can be the first to offer a Military Reward in their area on MilitaryAvenue; and for that I am sure they will thank you! These two installations won't be stubs for long. Before we know it they will be full-fledged, jam-packed with information installations!

The more military-discounts we offer in an area the more military-families we draw. The more families we have using MilitaryAvenue the more exposure your own ad gets! It can't get much better than that. So send a shout-out to the area-businesses you know; help us spread the word!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Who holds the purse strings of a military family?

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:56:00 +0000

By Deborah Kissinger

Not all Military Spouses carry a purse, but they do hold the purse strings!

Statistics show that the majority of today's military members are young, educated, computer savvy and married. These are your neighbors! These are your customers and clients.

Military spouses, like their active duty counterparts, must learn to adapt and operate in new environments. Environments that may change every two to three years.

The news is full of stories about the continual deployment and regular overseas tours that are part of the military lifestyle. The spouse is the family member that is left in charge to handle the needs of the family as they occur with purse strings in hand.

A 2005 report, published by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense focused in on Military Spouses. There are 679,738 spouses of Active Duty members. Just over half (51.2%) of the spouses are 30 years of age or younger. Nearly 30 percent (29.4%) of the spouses are over the age of 35.

Not content to just take a stab at what is best, today's military families do their homework and are expert Internet researchers. Because of your participation, MilitaryAvenue.com has grown to become a trusted online resource and an excellent place to showcase your enterprise.

The sheer numbers of Military Spouses are astounding. This is an audience with members that shop and participate in your neighborhood. For the most part, this is a new and mobile society. One that does not have the comfort of shopping at the same place year after year, because all too often every few years are marked by household set ups in different states or even hemispheres.

As a military spouse for many years, I can say from experience that some of my best commercial relationships, were built with those who warmly welcomed us in the first few weeks of our relocation.

You would be surprised at the things that made a difference. Often times it was something small, like a warm smile, a helpful attitude, or hearty hello, that drew us in initially.

This summer season, keep an eye out for new faces headed your way. Each one is a new opportunity to be at your personal best.

Thank you for serving those who serve!

**A 2005 report, published by the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, under contract with Caliber, an ICF International Company.

Tips: MAPP Tip of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:38:00 +0000

Images! Don't they send a message? We see a million a day and some stick to us like velcro! This restaurant's message caught our attention as we drove by during a weekend trip. If we are ever back in the area and need to stop for a meal I know they will be our choice. Why? Their message was clear and they reached out to say thank you to veterans.

How do you send your message to the military community nearby? Do you recognize them? Thank them? Does your message resonate with their needs? I am so impressed with one of our Partners who reaches out to her military audience and knows how to as well! Susan of Main Street Pet Resort and Day Spa in Platte City, Missouri knows the Ft Leavenworth military community. She participates in installation events and sends us "Event" information to help new military families find their way around. She is also a business leader and helps coordinate other business owners' efforts to support the post nearby!

It can be as simple as a sign like above, a military discount/Reward or a friendly smile/handshake. The message you send should be clear: You appreciate their service to your country and their business as well!

Have you seen other images of military appreciation? Send them to us so we can share with others!

Tips: MAPP Partners--Thinking!

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Keep up with Your Marketing (and see what others are doing as well)

Are you aware of new business trends? Had some coffee/tea and ready to stimulate your marketing approach? Who is your competition? What is new? When is the best time to offer a sale to the military community? What did my marketing due to for sales this month? All questions for a savvy business person to stay on top of and aware that change is inevitable!

We strongly recommend that you maintain awareness of the military community's needs and the cycle of business opportunities with them. How do you monitor your ad(s) to meet these changes? One method is to Sign Up for Our Monthly Alerts! Alerts are emails sent directly to the Inbox of military members at your nearby installation once a month announcing MilitaryRewards (yours included)! I repeat: Directly to their Inbox! A great marketing tool and you should be on top of it!

Sign up for Alerts so you can:

See your Reward as it is seen by the military community!

Update if necessary!

Review other local ads for ideas/trends!

Know who your competitors are!

Memorial Day is May 25th, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:44:00 +0000

I began this blog with an image search and that brought tears to my eyes. I found one image of a young woman laying on a grave at Arlington National Cemetery grieving for her lost fiance killed defending his country. There are many other images and stories of countless others, too. I could not show that particular image as I felt it would somehow violate the trust and relationship that was demonstrated by her grief.

Business blogs are not normally emotion filled but on this Memorial Day what are you doing to recognize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect you and your family? Show the military community that you care; participate in the event by more than opening your doors for sales, etc. Products and services are critical to your success--I get it! But on this Memorial Day, remember those who made it possible to enjoy the freedoms we have-- get it?

How to Get Involved in Your Military Community and Increase Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Businesses need to market their product and/or services to increase sales and develop customer loyalty. Do you have a large military customer population nearby? How far away is the nearest post, base, camp, station, etc. Do you know the demographics? How can you reach them? One great idea is to participate in special events at the installations when an opportunity is there.

We recently participated in a special "Field Exercise Priceless Packages" at Ft Sill, OK where we saw a large turnout of businesses targeting military spouses of deployed or soon to be deployed soldiers. The businesses that attended the event recognized the audience and were prepared to tell their story and message. Some provided door prizes for the audience, others sent small packages to be placed in the gift bags presented to each attendee; major corporations such as USAA sponsored the event. Each knew that the audience was theirs to target.

But one of the best marketing efforts that we saw was About Face and Body Therapy Spa who sent representatives to give a short chair massage while attendees waited for dinner and during breaks in the presentation! They had a beautiful display, took the opportunity and provided an outreach that will increase sales. The next Field Exercise will be at Ft Bliss near El Paso, TX in June. Take the opportunity to participate if you want to reach the military audience at that post.

There are many ways to assist military families such as simply recognizing them for their service. Can you empathize with your military audience? Many have had multiple year long deployments--quite a sacrifice and a smile and a small gift could gain you a lifetime customer!

Gather information about your military community through military newspapers, participating in Chamber of Commerce military committees, military blogs, the installation public affairs office and social media such as twitter (a great to stay in tune at http://twitter.com/militaryavenue). Best wishes on a successful military sales campaign through involvement in Your Military Community!

Military Spouse Appreciation

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Friday, May 8th, 2009, is National Military Spouse Appreciation Day. "The first Military Spouse Day was first celebrated in 1984 when then-President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance to honor the contributions of military spouses. The military now sets aside the Friday before Mother's Day each year to pay tribute to the spouses who play a vital role in the nation's defense." (http://www.army.mil/spouse/)

So what have you planned to honor the spouses in your community? It is not too late.

Simple ideas but a moment to say Thanks

If you see the flash of their ID as they make a transaction be sure to thank them!

Perhaps set out a bowl of chocolates with a little note of thanks for any military-spouses that walk through your doors.

Of course they give so much more but just an acknowledgement that they are appreciated can put a smile on their face.

Another idea: You could put a sign on your store-front: "If you are a military spouse come in for a free rose." Have a supply of roses on hand. Don't expect them to buy. Don't make it a sales-pitch opportunity. Just a simple chance to say Thank you.

Place a sign outside of your door: "Military Spouses are the Heart of the Military" Offer a significant discount on their purchase for the day.

Do you have a surplus of stock? Extra bottles of lotion? Extra home decorations? Seed packets? Whatever it may be that you are in the business of selling. Perhaps you can give something to each military-spouse that walks in the door that day, or weekend. It will clear some of your extra stock and can be a nice little gift.

I am a military-spouse. I just endured the longest year of my life. A deployment in Iraq left me at home as a single-mom with three growing boys. I missed the love-of-my-life. I handled things at home on my own. But with strength I became stronger! I know there are other spouses out there that want to hear 'Thank You' for keeping the embers at home lit!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

May Featured MilitaryReward

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Summer is quickly approaching so this ad at Ft Carson brought a lot of sympathy votes for hot temperatures, family times and ice cream!

This Month's Featured Military Reward is given to:

Cold Stone Creamery

Their Military Reward says:

Come see us for Military Mondays! Receive 15% off with your Military ID (Mondays Only)

Click here to view coupon featured at Ft Carson!

A special thank you to Cold Stone Creamery and all of our MAPP partners for supporting your military community with your Rewards.

Why Should Your Business Offer A Military Discount?

Ft Sill, Altus AFB & Sheppard AFB Partners: Spouse Field Exercise coming your way!

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Crooks & Henderson are coming to Fort Sill, Oklahoma! A wonderful evening of spouse pampering, tips for deployment, and a night out for well-deserved spouses of deployed-military members.

April 23 or April 24, 2009
A Seminar For Military Spouses
· Themed Care Package Ideas
· Deployment Survival Tips & Resources
· Networking
· Giveaways
· Fabulous Gift Bags
· Complimentary Meal, Dessert, & More

As a MilitaryAvenue Partner how does this affect you? MilitaryAvenue is a proud sponsor of this event and we will be in attendance! If you are a partner at Fort Sill, Sheppard AFB or Altus AFB we are going to *print* your reward and hand it to the spouses at the event.

UPDATE YOUR REWARDS AND BUSINESS PROFILE!

Log-In

The spouses hold the purse-strings... especially during a military deployment. They are making the decisions where to shop, what to eat, how to plan their budget. And they are going to be looking at your Military Reward. You want to put your best face-forward!

Want to know exactly what we will be bringing to share with our spouses? Click the links to see the Military Alerts for each base:

We are sending the above Alerts to the print-shop next week (April 14th) so update your ads now.

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

PS: Know a military-spouse in the area? Send them to Army Wife Network to register for this wonderful event!

The Social Media Really Does Work

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:29:00 +0000

MilitaryAvenue really is the street to connect the military community and your business.

Leanne had written an earlier Social Media blog and I wanted to share an example of exactly how they can be used to connect your business with the military community! A great story for a Friday afternoon during a busy week!

This sale opportunity started with a question in Answers on MilitaryAvenue.com from a military family relocating to the D.C. area at Bolling AFB. If you are not familiar with the area it can be very intimidating and the spouse asked several questions and one in particular caught my eye. They were in need of some reasonably priced furniture and asked how to find it in the new area on Answers.

I had a follower on Twitter from CORT Furniture and recognized that they had stores in that area. So I asked Tom Allen on Twitter to respond to the question and help them out! Tom saw a great opportunity to help a military family settling into his area! A new customer from the social media! You can see Tom's response to the question posed on Answers . He used the opportunity to assist the family, provided information that they had requested and told them how to contact the nearby furniture store. He also mentioned CORT Furniture's MilitaryReward of 15% off so that other readers could see his offer too!

Want to share with us on Twitter and Answers? Follow MilAve_Col_K and MilitaryAvenue on Twitter! Want to help Answer military questions in your area? Sign up as an Expert and respond to their questions just like Tom did!

Thank you for your great support to the military community!

April Featured Military Reward of the Month

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Springtime brings thoughts of clean up and possibly getting ready for the next PCS for military families! Often included in this process is finding a business to help clean on base quarters or an off base house. During preparations for that big move a bit of help is much appreciated! It is/was a very busy time and finding someone to help can be a great relief. With that in mind we thought this ad fits the season and also offers a great military discount! Their business profile is also a great marketing tool and shows they are "military friendly".

This Month's Featured Military Reward is given to:

Pam's Pristine Cleaning Service

Their Military Reward reads:

10% off all Services for Military, Retired Military and Civil Service employees. Must Present Proof of Valid Military/Government ID

Their Business Profile says:

We all have our fantasies and if you dream of walking into an immaculate house or office without taking the time or effort, well it is no longer a dream; it is reality, because Pam's Pristine Cleaning Service is ready to help. Our cleaning services cover a wide range of tasks from move in/move out cleaning, maid service and minor home repair. Let us serve you while you serve our country so you can concentrate on the important things in life - family, friends, career and hobbies.

Click here to view coupon featured at Warner Robins AFB.

A special thank you to Pam’s Pristine Cleaning Service and all of our MAPP partners for supporting your military community with your Rewards.

Why Should Your Business Offer A Military Discount?

Your Reward to their In Box on the First of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:27:00 +0000

We publish our Alerts on the first of each month! Next Wednesday (April 1st) military personnel and families in your area who have signed up will receive an Alert email from us with a list of Rewards/Discounts at their installation. Have you updated/reviewed your Reward recently? If not; go to the green Business Login tab at the top right of the MilitaryAvenue.com page and review your ad and its Reward! How will the consumer see your business when they read your Reward offer?

The Reward does not need to be cost prohibitive but it needs to tell the consumer that you are military friendly and appreciate their service during wartime! Yes, military families serve as well so take the time to update and make your Reward something that stands out! Know some local area special venues? Offer to buy them tickets or offer a reduced price ticket. I remember one business in Albuquerque, NM that offered free tickets to the Sandia Peak tram and a discount for dinner on top of the mountain. We loved it and used their business too! Maybe you have a planetarium, zoo or park nearby--buy them tickets! Or add a comment like "Thank you for your service" to your 10% off! It will surprise you what a simple recognition will do for business.

Thank you for your great support to the military community! April is also Month of the Military Child and we will be telling you more about it as it approaches!

Social Media

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Social Media, scary words for a person who does not understand what it means. However, social media is a powerful-tool for those that try to grasp it. Social Media is a way to keep your business on your customers’ radars. It is important in the business world to stay in touch with your customers. If you don’t your competition will and all of a sudden you might find those customers are former-customers.

What is social media? It is a way of getting to know your customers and potential customers. It is a means of getting the word out about your product. It is a way to build your reputation. There are a lot of ways to get out there and engage in social media. Facebook and myspace are two very popular ways but also very “personal”. Quite a few people won’t accept businesses as friends as they may post personal information they don’t want the world to know about.

One of the newest sites, and very-quickly rising in popularity, is Twitter.com. Local media; marketing professionals; corporations; mom & pop shops; official Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, & Coast Guard Public Affairs officers; *plus* everyday regular folks like you and me use Twitter. It is a menagerie of people waiting to get to know you & what you have to offer.

Who can you meet on sites like ‘Twitter’?

Current Customers;

Potential Customers;

Colleagues around the nation (and world);

Experts in your industry;

Newbies in your industry, you could be there expert!

So you create an account on Twitter… what is next? Add a profile picture, use one of their background designs or create your own with a photo, import your professional-email address book and start to ‘tweet’! Wait? What is that word ‘tweet’ mean? A ‘Tweet’ is jargon for something that you write on twitter.

What are things you could ‘Tweet”?

Weekend events going on in your area;

Helpful websites specific to your area;

Did you update your partner ad on MilitaryAvenue? Let folks know!;

Links to articles on the Internet specific to your industry;

Blog articles that you just wrote. Peek their interest; let your customers know of your Internet presence.

An important point, I recently read that 90% of your “tweets” should not be direct-advertisement. (http://www.twitip.com/the-90-10-rule-for-successful-twitter-networking/) You need to build relationships. Get to know your customers. Ask them how their day is. Find out ways that you can help them, what are their needs? There is a fine line. You don’t want to over-due it or keep it *too* simple. Not many folks care if you are “stepping out for lunch”, but they might like to know WHERE you are going to lunch. If your audience is the military community they want to know more about their new community. They want to know what's hot. They want to be part of it!

As Director of Research & Development at MilitaryAvenue what do I tweet?

What I have to get done for the day, both personal to feel 'connected' (like an oil change at my favorite dealership) and directly related to MilitaryAvenue (like an exciting meeting about future-MilitaryAvenue changes).

I answer questions from colleagues. @armywifenetwork is very good about asking general army-wife questions. They are fun to think about and send out an answer to. She asked, “What is an important thing to do during deployment.” I answered “@armywifenetwork Get out of the house.” By answering I show other military families that I *know* what it means to be an army wife. I may be an expert in my field, but I am also human and going through what they are too.

When I write a new post on MilitaryAvenue’s “Our Letters to You”, I post the link to let others know about it. We have a great number of direct followers on MilitaryAvenue as well as our blog. However, we are never happy and always want more folk to know about MilitaryAvenue. Twitter has brought us an even larger audience. Even more military families know about MilitaryAvenue.com and then they don’t forget that we are out there!

I draw attention to a new timely-article on MilitaryAvenue that my audience might find especially interesting. This sparked a conversation between myself and a military spouse; which other spouses could follow. She worked for the YMCA and the tweet I sent out was about a YMCA scholarship opportunity for military-brats. She was excited to share our site with her co-workers and how we were helping them spread the word.

I like to get my audience thinking. By asking questions it will engage them. It will help them get to know me.

Occasionally, I broadcast of a great MilitaryAvenue Discount: If I see a MilitaryAvenue Partner Military Discount that really catches my eye I let others know about it.

Looking for folks to start out following?
@milave_leanne – that is me! Army Wife extraordinaire and director of Research & Development at MilitaryAvenue
@milave_col_k – Air Force Veteran, blogger, MilitaryAvenue Partner expert
@militaryavenue – a direct feed of all the new articles on the site in real time; stay up to date & be informed
@milave_deborah – our Air Force Wife, blogger & wonderful administrative aid
@milave_dan – MilitaryAvenue’s president & CEO, Air Force ‘Brat’ and brand new Dad!

You can also search Twitter for things that are of interest to you. Search the installation, the city, the county, around you and see which folks are talking about it, because they might just be there or coming there soon! Search for keywords in your industry and network. Search for your local radio stations and news stations and keep up with what is happening around you. Be in the know.

I would encourage you to grab ‘Social Media’ by the reigns and enjoy the ride!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Tips: MAPP Tip of the Month--Events at Your Local Installation

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:52:00 +0000

We are making exciting progress connecting you, our MilitaryAvenue Partners and your military community. We are using social networking, media coverage, blogging and outreach programs at several installations and much more! But one of the most exciting ways we reach the community is through you, our Partners!

One partner who has been instrumental in opening doors is Main Street Pet Resort and Day Spa at Ft Leavenworth! The owner has been our advocate and spent time spreading the word about us to her friends, fellow business owners and the installation as well! How has she done that and why? First, she was connected with her military customers in her business and knew they provided a built in customer base. Then she recognized that she could use more of them!

Second, she saw the advantages of advertising her services to military families who were looking ahead or were new in the area. She attended a welcome event on the post for newcomers and passed out information about her business! And... guess what? She passed out information on militaryavenue.com as well! She helped create a buzz at Ft Leavenworth about us!

She helped us make contact with the local Army staff and created "Events" on the home page of Ft Leavenworth! These events created new value for our military users and new visitors to ads at Ft Leavenworth.

As a result of her efforts she has seen a great increase in her number of military customers, we have new businesses on the site, new information for our military users and increased traffic! All great news for a business owner, MilitaryAvenue and the ultimate user, your military community!

PS: Would you like to tell us about an event in your local community that the military community needs to know about? Just go to the home page of your local installation; drop down the middle to just below the map and look for the Upcoming Local Events. Find the link "Let us know" and click on it (this one goes to Ft Leavenworth; be sure to use your installation(s). Fill out the event and submit and we will have it on the site quickly! Think about it: Five minutes of your time to help a military family know more about your town could provide a lot of benefits to you, our business partner!

Do You Twitter?

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:49:00 +0000

We like to be in touch at MilitaryAvenue. It is most likely a product of relocating so many times in our lives as military families. Many of us have run into friends we haven't talked to in 10, 25 or even 40 years using one of many media platforms. We have enjoyed Facebook, Digg.com, and Myspace in a variety of capacities, personally and professionally.

Recently we have established Twitter accounts for those that have a certain affinity for "staying in touch" like we do.

You can find Leanne, Army Spouse and Director of Research & Development, at http://twitter.com/MilAve_Leanne. After Col K returns from his well-deserved vacation he will be keeping you up to date at http://twitter.com/MilAve_Col_K. Please stop by and let us know if you are a 'twitter-er'. We would love to follow you too. It is wonderful to have colleagues spread across the country as we all work to serve our military-families together.

The Word Keeps Spreading

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Have you heard that MilitaryAvenue.com is sponsoring TWO contests right now for our military users?

What does this mean to you as a MilitaryAvenue.com Program Partner? Exposure! As an example, the more military families that sign up for our Military Alerts, means more folks are signed up to receive YOUR military discount in their email box, every month! (So by all means make your coupon count.)

Read more about our two monthly-contests at our Military Family Blog:

March 2009 Featured Military Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0000

This Month's Featured Military Reward is given to:

Baja Tan & Suntan Center

Their Military Reward reads:

1 FREE WOLFF TAN or 7 WOLFF TANS for $7 or 20% off any Regular Priced Packages. 10% Off any Swimsuit and 20% off any sandal or flip flops. Limit 1 per person, new client please, please print this coupon and present at time of service.

Click here to view coupon featured at Camp Pendleton.

A special thank you to Baja Tan and Suntan Center and all of our MAPP partners for supporting your military community with your Rewards.

Why Should Your Business Offer A Military Discount?

We choose a Featured MilitaryReward each month to highlight our Partners and their wonderful support to the military community! Our military family team chooses one based on value for the military family and how well it sends the message "military friendly business".

Tips--MAPP Tip of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:42:00 +0000

March is here! I can smell cardboard in the air! In fact, I can almost taste it. Do your thoughts go to cardboard in March? Probably not; most go to spring and flowers but for a military family that relocated 18 times in 30 years it was usually the time to plan our next move and the resulting packing of our household goods brought out the cardboard smells and memories.

Many military personnel and their families are getting ready to PCS! That means more visits to your ads on MilitaryAvenue as military personnel prepare to move into your area! What should you do to make your ad have the most appeal possible to market your business to this young savvy group of patriots? My biggest recommendation is to review your ad and keep it up to date!

Keep it current! A great ad is reviewed and updated frequently and we offer free updates so go to Business Log In and enter your User Name and Password. The ad will open after you go to the Current Listings section and select the Red Edit button. Go to the checkout and submit after making edits and we will approve the update and have it on the site quickly.

We have a Help Page that provides assistance and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section as well! Take the time to review it and your ad for new ideas and ways to reach out to this most deserving community of patriots! Thank you for supporting the troops! I also created a previous blog on how to make your MilitaryReward coupon effective. Go to: Tips: Your Military Rewards and How to Win the Hearts of the Military Community.

We want your ads to be effective as a MilitaryAvenue Partner since you care about the military community by providing advertising and support to them. We appreciate comments so tell others what has worked for you!

Tips: Keep up with Military News--The 2009 PCS Season is in High Gear

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:20:00 +0000

The Permanent Change of Station season is in high gear! Despite the bad news on the economy, the stock market downturn and the political events in DC, military personnel are still relocating into your area! Like many Americans the economy can effect the lives of military personnel due to spouse employment difficulties, impact on long term savings but one third of the military will still relocate in the next 6 months.

By now most have orders and know where they are moving this summer which for family reasons is the heaviest relocation timeframe. Even if the member moves ahead due to the school year or spouse job requirements, the spouse or family will follow in the summer. So what are they doing now?

Research, planning, getting rid of clutter (a PCS weight limit for household goods is the best garage cleaning opportunity you will ever have), thinking about how to prepare the kids for another move. How about those side trips to visit family while enroute, selling a car, getting maintenance on the current one and/or buying a new one to insure reliability during the long trip. Do they need a rental truck and/or trailer for a do it yourself move or have the government contractor do it?

What and how do they research? Think about your lifestyle. They need a place to live, a new church, a place to shop, somewhere to take the car for that oil change on arrival, child care, entertainment and much more! How do they research? Do they have computer access? YES! Remember 75% are 18-34 years of age and over 60% have a family. They research online and many use MilitaryAvenue! They ask friends about the new location and if fortunate may have a friend at the new installation to show them around.

They also use the new Answers section on MilitaryAvenue! Go there and see what you can offer to help them relocate! Sign up as an expert and answer questions about the area when they occur. Offer a friendly hand when it is needed and you will be surprised at how loyal the friends will be!

What Can a Corporation or Business Do for a Wounded Warrior?

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I recently interviewed Brian Neuman from USAA about their program to help Wounded Warriors and I thought I would share some ideas with our business partners. Wounded Warriors are frequently considered those wearing Purple Hearts or receiving Veteran Administration disability payments that were caused by wartime service since 09.11.2001.

Does your company consider hiring veterans? I know its a tough economic time but you can't find a more loyal or proud employee who has served all of us so well! Are you the business owner? It can start from the top! Let folks know you are interested in hiring veterans. Are you an employee who knows a veteran who is returning to civilian life and wants a job? Needs a recommendation or the opportunity to network? Help them out! Ask to see their resume and give them inputs. Forward it to HR!

As a business or American citizen please help support our deserving veterans through non profit organizations such as Operation Comfort, Operation Homefront and the Wounded Warrior Project. Support for these groups is critical to the successful transition of these men and women who deserve our best! They can use your talents while volunteering or your tax deductible financial gifts. Encourage your employees to participate with their time and talents too by publicizing your support!

We occasionally post special events for your information on the site, in the blog and in our newsletter so you can see opportunities to assist. Some are even fun and we would encourage your company to get involved like Cox Communications did supporting injured Marines near Camp Pendleton. To see what they are doing visit http://www.cox-cares.org/.

Its pretty hard not to get emotional when we see a wounded veteran on TV or the internet but put those feelings to work for our injured veterans! Thank you!

By The Numbers: Military Education

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:36:00 +0000

The military takes the education of its service-members seriously. In fact, there are different departments focused on the continuing education of their soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. The Army has "The Army Continued Education System" and their website says: "The Army Continuing Education System (ACES) through its many programs promotes lifelong learning opportunities and sharpens the competitive edge of Army, 2010 and beyond. ACES is committed to excellence in service, innovation, and deployability." They know the importance of an educated Force.

In 2005, the majority (86.2%) of active-duty officers have a Bachelor’s or higher degree. Few
(4.1%) enlisted members have a Bachelor’s or higher degree, while most (94.1%) have a high
school diploma and/or some college experience. In the past fifteen years, the percent of Active Duty members who have a Bachelor’s and/or an advanced degree increased for enlisted (from 2.5% in 1990, to 4.1% in 2005). (Source: The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense)

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, in Fiscal Year 2008 over 540,000 personnel utilized their GI Bill benefits. (The GI Bill is the generic term comprising various education assistance programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the benefit of Veterans and service-members.) That is a lot of education! When you are working with military-customers keep in mind there is nothing 'average' about them. They are an educated force; with *many* things on their plate. Thank you for supporting them!

- The MilitaryAvenue Team