19SHARESShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr,John San Filippo John is the co-founder of OmniChannel Communications, Inc., a company that specializes in B2B marketing to community financial institutions. He started out in the savings and loan industry, but wisely … Web: www.omnichannelcommunications.com Details This has happened to me a number of times. Maybe it’s happened to you, too.You stumble across a hole-in-the-wall restaurant you never even noticed before. The food is absolutely fantastic. The employees treat you like family. And the prices make it possible to take the whole crew out for dinner without breaking the bank.Then one day you show up hungry as can be, only to find locked doors and a “closed” sign. What went wrong?Most likely, the owners suffered from what I call “Field of Dreams” syndrome. They thought that if they created a great restaurant, people would magically appear at their door. In other words, they thought they didn’t need and/or couldn’t afford marketing. Truth be told – and as time proved – they couldn’t afford to not market.Of course, “Field of Dreams” syndrome isn’t limited to just the food-service industry. In fact, I see quite a bit of it in the financial technology space. Companies large and small view marketing as somewhat of an extravagant expense – a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. The real fallacy here is looking at marketing as an expense at all.If you had purchased 1,000 shares of Apple stock in 2003, it would have cost you about $14,000. That’s not chump change. However, if you had held it until now, it would be worth several million dollars. Please, please tell me if you think there’s a single person on this entire planet who would moan and groan about the expense of having to shell out $14,000 for Apple stock, given this scenario. Clearly any sane person would view this as an investment, not an expense. And they’d be damned happy about it.With that thought in mind, it blows me away that companies grumble at the thought of putting money into marketing – an endeavor that’s proven to help grow companies and contribute to the bottom line. Marketing is an investment and – executed properly – it carries a measurable and favorable ROI. If your marketing isn’t making you money, you’re doing it wrong. There’s no other way to say it.The big question is: How much should you really be spending on marketing? Google around and you’ll find varying opinions, but they all seem to fall within the range of 5-10 percent of total revenue. And in fact, that appears to be what B2B companies are actually spending. A survey conducted by CMOsurvey.org based on 2013 data, but likely in line with what’s happening today, showed that in the B2B sector, both product and service companies spent about eight percent of total revenue on marketing. That’s across all revenue sizes.Interestingly, it was the smallest companies – those with less than $25M in revenue – that spent the most on marketing as a percentage of revenue. These companies spent over 11 percent of revenue on marketing. Incidentally, the lowest spending revenue range was $500M-$1B, at only 3.5 percent.Is your marketing investment at least somewhere in the general ballpark of the numbers I shared above? If not, do you think it’s because you know something everybody else doesn’t, or because everybody else knows something you don’t? I hate to break it to you (okay, honestly I don’t), but if you’re under-investing in marketing, you’re really doing your company a disservice.You know the old saying. You have to spend money to make money. That’s not exactly true. You have to invest money to make money. And when you invest wisely in marketing, you can make more money than you ever thought possible.
Sign up for our COVID-19 newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York A black-clad armed robber is believed to be responsible for nine robberies and one fatal shooting at gas stations and convenience stores in Nassau County, sparking a massive manhunt for the suspect and increased patrols in the targeted communities, Nassau police’s top cop said.“This subject has demonstrated that he is very violent, or can be very violent,” acting police commissioner Thomas Krumpter said during a press conference at the police department’s Mineola headquarters Tuesday. The investigation “is one of the highest priorities of this department at this time,” he added.To that point, Krumpter was joined by a slew of high-ranking police officials, including the commanders of the both the homicide and robbery squads, which are conducting a joint investigation into the robberies. The Major Case Bureau and Bureau of Special Operations are also assisting in the investigation.Krumpter said nine robberies and one homicide—beginning in Dec. 20 and continuing through February—are being investigated as pattern crimes, and a single assailant is believed to be involved.The suspect is described as a black man between 5-feet, 11-inches and 6-feet tall, with a thin build, wearing all black Nike clothing, a black mask, black gloves, black Nike sneakers with red laces and armed with either a black or a silver revolver. He has targeted seven gas stations and two 7-Eleven stores in Westbury, Hicksville and Jericho, police said. Cash was taken in all of the incidents.The latest incident occurred on Feb. 8, at a Shell gas station on Jericho Turnpike, police said. A Mobil Gas Station on Old Country Road in Westbury has been robbed twice during the one-man crime spree, police said.Investigators also believe the suspect is the same individual who gunned down a 58-year-old Jericho gas station attendant on Jan. 28. Krumpter declined to go into details about what transpired before the gunman fired into Hany Awad’s abdomen, killing him. Police have not classified the incident a robbery, and have not said if anything was taken.“It is unusual to have this number in this time, but what is more concerning is the fact that the homicide is consistent with the pattern of the robberies—and that raises the stakes and makes it very concerning to this department,” Krumpter said.Speaking to residents, Krumpter urged anyone who notices anything suspicious to call 911 immediately. He also urged gas station and convenience store workers to comply if met by an armed assailant. Police have visited all gas stations and convenience stores in the targeted areas, Krumpter said.“We do have a significant amount of resources that are also involved and a significant increase of patrols,” he added.Investigators have also determined that a Shell gas station robbery in North Woodmere on Monday involving a knife-wielding suspect is not a part of this crime spree, police said.Crime Stoppers is offering an award of up to $10,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. A separate $25,000 reward is being offered as part of the homicide investigation.Below are a list of locations that the suspect is believed to have targeted:1) 12/20/2014 2:20 AM, Citgo Gas Station, 495 Union Ave. Westbury, N.Y.2) 12/31/2014 3:27 AM, Mobil Gas Station, 79 Old Country Rd, Westbury, N.Y.3) 01/08/2015 12:25 AM, 7-11 Store, 384 West John St., Hicksville, N.Y.4) 01/12/2015 11:50 PM, Mobil Gas Station, 79 Old Country Rd., Westbury, N.Y.5) 01/13/2015 12:01 AM, 7-11 Store, 384 West John St. Hicksville, N.Y.6) 01/17/2015 6:05 PM, Citgo Gas Station, 495 Union Ave , Westbury, N.Y.7) 01/19/2015 9:14 PM, Hess Gas Station, 880 Old Country Rd., Westbury, N.Y.8) 01/28/2015 9:10 PM, BP Gas Station, 39 Jericho Tpke, Jericho, NY.9) 02/06/2015 9:35 PM, Hess Gas Station, 800 Jericho Tpke, Westbury, NY.10) 02/08/2015 10:20 AM, Shell Gas Station, 420 Jericho Tpke, Jericho, NY.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost everyone and everything in the world over the past three and half months. Among those affected are millions of intellectually challenged athletes, who are in the middle of routine training.In response to this situation, the Washington-based Special Olympics International has ordered all its branch organizations to stop outdoor activities throughout 2020, with coaching clinics held instead. The local branch, Special Olympics of Indonesia (SOIna), responded to the recommendation by arranging online training dubbed the Coaching Clinics Special Olympics Learning Portal on Thursday, which lured 200 participants. Topics : The coaching clinics were held in line with recommendations, in accordance with health and safety protocols.Special Olympics Asia Pacific Amrain Siregar said similar events were being held globally so that all stakeholders would get all the necessary updates and maintain their condition during the pandemic. Besides the coaching clinics, a series of webinars have also been prepared.
Aubameyang is yet to have officially signed a new deal (Picture: Getty Images)Arsenal legend Ian Wright says the most vital piece of business Mikel Arteta needs to take care of this summer is tying down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a new contract.The Gabon international is yet to commit his future to the north London club with less than a year remaining on his current deal.Aubameyang once again proved his worth to the Gunners last season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions, including a brace in the FA Cup victory over Chelsea.The 31-year-old carried his good form over to the new campaign, scoring the winning penalty in the Community Shield to beat Premier League champions Liverpool at Wembley.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTThe Gunners have already completed the signings of Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille, while Atletico’s Thomas Partey is a priority signing.Wright believes persuading Aubameyang to extend his stay at the Emirates is Mikel Arteta’s most important task this summer.‘To be honest, I think he will be the most significant signing Mikel can make,’ Wright told Good Morning Britain. Metro Sport ReporterWednesday 2 Sep 2020 1:57 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link9.3kShares Advertisement Ian Wright admits new Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deal would be Arsenal’s most ‘significant’ business this summer Wright says Arsenal must tie down Auba (Picture: Getty Images)‘We do need to make that happen, simply because of what he brings to that team. When you look at the chances created for Arsenal, they were 16th in the league and he still scored the amount of goals he scored.‘So if you can imagine, we can start creating more with the players we have signed – the Willians and people like that – then he is going to score more goals.‘It is imperative that he signs.’More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing ArsenalSpeaking after the Community Shield win, Arteta once again reiterated his confidence that Aubameyang will put pen to paper on a new deal.‘I keep saying the same thing,’ the Spaniard told BT Sport. ‘I try to do my job, which is convince him that he is in the right place, that he has the environment here to produce the moments like he’s done today and he’s done here three weeks ago.‘I am very positive that he’s going to sign but a lot of time there’s a lot of things involved in a contract deal and we are trying to show him.’MORE: Paris Saint-Germain submit £30m offer for Arsenal star Hector BellerinMORE: Mesut Ozil sends class message to Arsene Wenger after huge offer to leave ArsenalFollow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramFor more stories like this, check our sport page. Advertisement Comment
In an attack similar to, but worse than the 2013 one at Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall, five attackers gained entry into the university, a constituent college of Eldoret’s Moi University, after killing guards at the main gate.Parents of the students who study at the college said their children have been complaining about security fearing for their lives almost on a daily basis.Al Shabab has carried out past attacks in Kenya. In 2013, it claimed responsibility for an assault on Nairobi’s upscale Westgate Mall that left more than 60 dead. Most schools we closed in Garissa as business came to a standstill after the attack at Garissa University CollegeOne suspect, described as a terrorist by the government, was reportedly arrested while leaving the college. The attack is said to have been masterminded by a former school teacher at Garissa who is now on the run.In response to the attack, the government slapped a dawn to dusk curfew on four counties bordering Somalia — Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Tana River — and ordered residents to remain indoors between 6.30pm and 6.30am. Students of Garrisa campus being taken to safety147 people lost their lives in a bloody day of violence and terror at the Garissa University College in North Eastern Kenya on Thursday before the siege ended later at night.Interior security minister Joseph Nkaissery said all four terrorists who participated in the dawn attack for which the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility were also killed by security forces.More than 500 people were rescued while more than seventy were injured, with several having severe injuries.The gunman attacked the University which is about 100Km from the border between Kenya and Somalia in early hours of Thursday killing students and guards indiscriminately.The attackers descended on Garissa University college at dawn shooting at the students indiscriminatelyReports said the four gunmen pretended to be going for prayers only to start shooting at the students after what reports say was a separation of the students according to their faiths. It was reported that the gunmen asked students their religion before shooting at them.The slaughter at Garissa University College, where heavily armed attackers struck at 5am, prompted President Uhuru Kenyatta to order 10,000 police recruits, whose enrollment was contested in court, to promptly report for training at the Kenya Police College, Kiganjo.“This is a moment for everyone throughout the country to be vigilant as we continue to confront and defeat our enemies,” President Kenyatta told a shocked nation in a televised address from State House, Nairobi Thursday.There was still shooting last night, even though the government had said the siege was over. No rescue workers were allowed into the campus by the military.
The government had said it was merely “mopping up” just in case any of the attackers were still on the campus.
Dele Alli accepts he’s made a lot of mistakes as a Tottenham player. Promoted ContentWhich Country Is The Most Romantic In The World?Who Earns More Than Ronaldo?Best & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever Made7 Of The Wealthiest Universities In The WorldInsane 3D Spraying Skills Turn In Incredible Street ArtCouples Who Celebrated Their Union In A Unique, Unforgettable Way14 Hilarious Comics Made By Women You Need To Follow Right Now2020 Tattoo Trends: Here’s What You’ll See This Year9 Facts You Should Know Before Getting A Tattoo6 Extreme Facts About HurricanesEver Thought Of Sleeping Next To Celebs? This Guy Will Show You7 Black Hole Facts That Will Change Your View Of The Universe “But when you join the Premier League you start to get noticed and you have to be a role model. “I’ve always tried to live my life as a good person but I’ve made a lot of mistakes and it’s all about adapting and learning from them. Read Also:Harry Kane’s return excites Dele Alli “I’m still young and each experience is a new one for me, so it’s important to have good people around you — and I’ve always had that growing up.” FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Alli, 23, was only 16 when he made his league debut for MK Dons and 19 when he won his first full England cap. He told the Otro YouTube channel: “After I started playing for the national team a lot of people would stop me and ask for pictures. “A year before, I was a normal kid from Milton Keynes who could go anywhere and do whatever I wanted without being noticed.Advertisement Loading… 
Valmayor added he is hoping the police and the city government would have a better partnership amid these challenging times.Palgue, for his part, thanked the city government for equipping the policemen with the required gear. The firepower boost consisted of two caliber 5.56 automatic assault rifles, three caliber 40mm pistols, eight tactical police/SWAT vest with trauma plates, eight Kevlar helmets, eight pairs of tactical boots, eight gas masks, official tactical mobile entry shield, and one sniper scope.Mayor Renato Gustilo and 1st District Rep. Gerardo Valmayor Jr. turned over to Colonel Romy Palgue, officer-in-charge (OIC) provincial director of the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and Major Mark Angelo Junco, OIC of the San Carlos City Police, the firearms and tactical gear during the rites held at the City Council session hall on June 10.“It has been a continuing tradition of the city to support the Philippine National Police by providing them firearms and equipment,” said Valmayor, a former city mayor. Personnel of the San Carlos City Police in Negros Occidental receive guns and tactical gear, among others, from the city government on June 10. An official urged the policeman to be responsible in using the equipment and to continue safeguarding the city from threats. SAN CARLOS CITY, NEG. OCC. -LGU INFORMATION PAGE “This would increase their confidence, competence, character, and credibility in serving and protecting the people,” he added. BACOLOD City – Personnel of the San Carlos City Police in this province received P1.5 million worth of firearms and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) gear from the city government. Last June 2, the provincial government turned over 30 units of similar gear worth P2.43 million to the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company. Junco, on the other hand, said the additional equipment would boost the police in enforcing public safety, investigation and intelligence operations. Councilor Benito Gustilo Jr., chairman of the committee on police matters, urged policemen to be responsible in the use of equipment and to continue safeguarding the city from threats. These included tactical bulletproof vests, ballistic plates and fast type ballistic helmets.(With a report from PNA/PN)
Most players treat it as light relief and invite family or friends to act as their caddies, including the ‘Big Three’ of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, who will be back together to hit ceremonial drives as honorary starters for the tournament proper on Thursday. Rory McIlroy had tennis star girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki on the bag, saying: “It’s very special. Caroline could have come last year but it did not quite work out, but I really wanted her to come and see what it’s all about.” Padraig Harrington missed out on a fourth victory in the traditional par-three contest on the eve of the Masters, but is unlikely to be too disappointed. Since the event started in 1960, nobody has ever become par-three champion and Masters champion in the same week, with Harrington continuing the ‘jinx’ after wins in 2003, 2004 and 2012 – although he twice had to share the title after bad weather prevented a play-off. The three-time major winner was in contention again when he posted a three-under 24, but then saw Ernie Els and Nick Watney finish on four under, Watney by making a hole-in-one on the ninth. 
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LONDON: It was on this day that Lord’s hosted the first-ever women’s international game — a 60 overs One-Day International match between England and Australia.’ICC Hall of Famer Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, who campaigned for women’s cricket to be played at the iconic venue, led her side to a resounding eight-wicket win,’ ICC said in an Instagram post. Electing to bat, Australia were bowled out for 161 in 59.4 overs before England cruised to an impressive win, with 22 balls to spare. Heyhoe-Flint also captained England to the inaugural World Cup title in 1973. She is also the first lady to hit a six in women’s Test cricket, against Australia at the Oval in 1963. She also represented England in field hockey as a goalkeeper in the 1960s. Baroness Heyhoe-Flint — a true cricket legend — passed away in January 2017. As we learnt from Wikipedia, the fine cricket writer Scyld Berry once noted: ‘She was, among other achievements, the Dr W G Grace of women’s cricket, the pioneer without whom the game would not be what it is.’ Agencies Also Watch: #NewsMakers: Bharat Bhushan Dev Choudhury, Secy. General Administration, Gov. of Assam, Dispur
By Elroy StephneyTENEZE Ferme ground in the Lower Pomeroon River was filled with excitement last Sunday, as Eagle Sports and Rising Sun SC battled their way to victories in the annual Norbert Alphonso and Hassan Rahim Memorial 20/20 competition when the two semi-finals were played.Under clear sky and a vociferous crowd, hosts Teneze Ferme ‘A’, despite their home advantage, could not deny Rising Sun a deserving 6-wicket triumph. Batting first, Teneze Ferme ‘A’ amassed 137-6 in 20 overs with fluent knocks of 46 (4×4, 2×6) from Wayne Narine and 20 from Aubrey Rodrigues. Medium pacer Sanjeev Ramdeen had 2-22 from 4 overs, bowling for Rising Sun.In reply, an impressive half-century from Ronald Kanhai 56 (3×6, 3×4) and opener Fenton Jacobus’ patient 36 (2×4) piloted Rising Sun to a six-wicket victory. Nicholas Rodrigues had 2-34 from 4 overs in a losing effort.In the second semi-final, Eagle Sports struggled to 120 all out in 19 overs on a wearing pitch that offered turn and bounce. Javon Kellawan 37 (4×4) and Korie Jabar 20 (2×4) were the principal scorers.Leg-spinner Nowel Evans 3-24 from 4 overs and Jason Griffith 3-28 from 3 overs were the destroyers for Wakapoa Quenqerers.In their turn at the crease, they found themselves in early trouble and never recovered to be all-out for 107 in 18 overs, losing by 13 runs.Eagle Sports spinners Javon Kellawan 3-18, Korie Jabbar 3-27 and Keon Narine 2-17 were the successful bowlers.Rising Sun and Eagle Sports will now clash in the final scheduled for April 2, at the same venue while the two losing semi-finalists will vie in the third-place play-off.Meanwhile over $200 000 in incentives along with trophies will be at stake. The tournament is sponsored by businessman Alfro Alphonso and Company and is being played in the memory of his father and father-in-law.The competition is now in its twelfth consecutive year.