Creative Problem Solving

For as long as I can remember seeing the big picture has been easy for me ... and consequently coming up with creative solutions is, too. As early as my college days I was the one who was sought out when someone had a problem and needed advice.

I also focus on the positive which makes me a solution oriented thinker.

Plus I love brainstorming.

So I have decided to broaden the consulting offered just a bit ...

If you are stymied on where to go next, need advice on a big decision, or simply a creative solution to something that has been making you crazy; I am offering one free one hour consultation per week.
Don't expect this to last forever, so take advantage of it while you can. : )

Shoot me an email.  ourmilieu [at] gmail [dot] com.  This can be media or marketing related, an unrelated business issue that requires a creative solution, or personal.  I won't give you answers so much as help you to identify your own solutions once we have identified your real goal and your true feelings about it.  Don't give me details yet.  Just make the connection.

Anything we discuss will be confidential.

Cheers,

CM

The Value of Digital Books as Marketing Tools.

Companies have long known the value of creating something tangible and aesthetically pleasing to promote their image.  Today, with the growing number of options for publishing, this is easier than ever before.

If you browse the web you will find DIY gurus with templates for creating your own e-book in a PDF format.  Great for those on a limited budget who want a product to sell on their website, or just something as a give-a-way for promotional purposes.  One very savvy entrepreneur coach, Tara Gentile, asks you to set your own price.

If you have been keeping up you will know that PushPopPress has created an iPad version of Al Gore's latest tome.

With the introduction of the iPad and now tablets, books can be interactive in a way that marketing gurus couldn't have imagined twenty years ago.  With video now possible as an integral part of a book, you can walk the reader through the steps of 'how to', or give them a virtual tour of a space.  Every time you mention something which has it's own web presence a link can be created right in the book.  The possibilities are endless.

With companies like 'Mag +' making iPad apps affordable, marketing your business through an iPad or tablet book, or magazine, becomes a viable option for even smaller businesses.

If this is something which interests you, contact us for coaching, consulting, or creating your new iPad book for you.

seeglover [at] gmail [dot] com
ourmilieu [at] gmail [dot] com

Roses - The Book Project.

We are entering a new and exciting era in publishing.  Self publishing has become as prevalent and acceptable as publishing through an established house.  Out of the new options available, we are thrilled to have chosen digital books for iPads and tablets, as the medium for our initial publishing ventures.  Roses for Autism, a fantastic program in Guilford, Connecticut, is to be our first project.

This was a group of parents who had a problem, found a resource and identified a solution.  'We have these wonderful kids, they are on the Spectrum, we want them to live fulfilling lives'.

And this is what they did!!  Recognizing the challenges their children will face, in finding gainful employment as they reach their adulthood, they proactively created Roses for Autism.  Check out their website and see some of the related photos and articles on this blog.

We are creating a lavishly photographed digital book about this fantastic program.  We hope that it will inspire and delight you, and perhaps spawn similar programs all over the country and around the world.  To make this book happen we need your help.  Those interested in participating will have three different options.

- For a tax deductible contribution you may send a check for at least $500 (we always accept more) to:

Roses for Autism, Pinchbeck’s Rose Farm • 929 Boston Post Road • Guilford, CT 06437 • (203) 453-2186

Roses is a 501(c)3.  Once you have made your contribution you will be mailed a receipt for your tax records.  Please make a note on the check that your contribution is for the book project and please shoot me an email so I may add you to the list of contributors for our records.  We will be listing all of our contributors, sponsors and patrons on the project page on this site. If you prefer to remain anonymous please make sure you email me to let me know. You will also be able to make your tax deductible contribution online.  We are working on it.  You must identify the donation (of $500 or more) as being for the book project in order to receive your receipt.


- If your company (or you) wishes to participate as a sponsor with a 'marketing' presence in the pages of the book itself, please send an email to me (CM Glover) at ourmilieu@gmail.com.  At that time we will discuss the various options available to sponsors.


If you have any questions about any of the above, please don't hesitate to email.  ourmilieu@gmail.com


Thank you so much for your interest in our project!


CM 

We have not received the necessary funding to move forward with this project, however we consider it a very positive project and hope to move forward with it at some point in the not so distant future.

If you know anyone who might be interested in contributing please please have them give us a shout.   (21 Sept 2011)

CM Glover is an experienced photojournalist with over a decade of work with the New York Times.

Return to Maui

Sorry for the quiet spell.  I have been working on some project ideas and they have me somewhat distracted.  Some new ideas on how to use media for marketing.  And I think these are really going to be great!!  I'm not saying anything until I am sure we can make it happen, but stay tuned.

In the meantime my very good friend, Christine, just sent me this pic from the lanai of her rental condo in Maui, where she and her family are spending the week.  It's a lovely two bedroom condo - obviously with a great view - so if anyone needs a vacation - give me a shout and I will get you the link and rates for the condo.  I am wishing I was there right now - and plan to rent it from her one of these days.  They were sitting on the lanai for breakfast just yesterday and watching a whale.  Sigh...

Yes We Do!

Recently someone asked me if I was willing to do action shots for boat owners.  And I thought, 'well dah'... of course.  Sign me up.

Over the years I have done numerous assignments out on the water, at all times of the year.  I've never turned one down yet.  I've also got a list going of tall ships ... the ones which I have climbed the rigging.

And Renée has been sailing for many years.  So if you need copy and photos that involve time spent on the water - PLEASE ask us!!

The upper photo is Pride 2 sailing up the Chesapeake Bay.  The lower photo is Amistad at Mystic Seaport.

"Roses For Autism"

 

A bouquet of roses and lilies from Pinchbeck's Rose Farm.

The Rose Patch

The Patch article is now online.  Have a look here.  ~ CM

Growing Roses and Jobs

When thousands of Connecticut residents present their sweethearts with a dozen roses on Valentine's Day, they'll be making more than one person smile. Fresh-cut blooms from Roses for Autism in Guilford also support a unique job training program for young adults on the autism spectrum.

The group is "growing possibilities" as well as flowers ...  

Continue Reading =>

Stephen Barrows, rose cutter, an employee of Roses For Autism

Love ... and other things

Valentine's Day is just over a week away.  Our thoughts turn to love, chocolate, and ... what can we possibly find for the sweethearts in our lives? This means that if you have a business which sells food, chocolate, flowers, romantic getaways, or any kind of item that could be construed as a Valentine's gift, now is the time to be chatting it up on your blog, posting it on Facebook and tweeting it out.

Get customers thinking...  Blog about gift ideas.  Write about wonderful Valentine's fantasies.  Use Twitter to let your clan know about 'on the spot' sales.

This is your moment to spread a little love!

Chocolate Truffles from Carol Monnerat LLC.
Email - artisantruffles[at]gmail.com

"Reds"

 

Arriving at the farm the day after a storm, deep snow is drifting up the sides of the greenhouses, even covering areas of the roof. Passing through the first greenhouse, dried roses hang upside down, waiting to be used as part of the decorative wreathes, a new product being offered for sale.

 

An arctic blast hits us as we leave one greenhouse and negotiate the narrow path that has been shoveled through the deep snow.  It looks more like we are about to enter an ice palace than a greenhouse.  As my sunglasses are steaming up and I can barely see, and the winter coat I am wearing suddenly feels a bit too warm, I sniff the air and know that I have wandered into a sub tropical garden instead.  Once the fog clears I see aisles of rose bushes that seem to go on forever.  Though I've been expecting to see splashes of color across the spectrum of yellows, pinks, reds and oranges; the color before my eyes is a sea of green, with only small paint strokes of color dotting the vast expanse.

Paraphrased from the article, watch for the complete article about 'Roses For Autism', at Patch.com, the Clinton edition.

Photos and article by C.M. Glover

Watch here for Renée's comprehensive article on Pinchbeck Farm, along with my collection of photos from that day.

When Dreams Come True

Artist Wendy Hille is living her dream.  Five years ago she went on holiday with her husband and a couple of friends.  Their destination was a rental at Stonington Point in the Borough.  It was love at first sight.  By the end of the vacation they were already talking about giving up their home in Hebron and moving down to the shore permanently.  Shortly after returning home, they put their house on the market and returned to Stonington Borough.  Renting the same house where they had been vacationing, they began the search for their new home.

Today Wendy lives in Mystic, along with husband Mike, and Colby, their yellow lab.  She enjoys her job teaching art in two local elementary schools and in her spare time creates the signs, beach inspired art, and decorative objects that began with her graduate exhibit for her Masters from Central Connecticut State University.

Synopsis from a recent article written by C M Glover.  See the article on Patch.com.

High Hopes and a Connecticut Christmas

Back in December I had the opportunity to photograph "A Connecticut Christmas" at High Hopes.  In addition to being a food drive, this was also a special event to benefit Tiffany Farm.  You may read all about it on Ann Nyberg's blog, Annie Mame.  Here are some of the images I took for the event's coordinators.