Nov
15
Vacationing In Tucson Arizona - What You’ll Need To Know
Filed Under Business | Comments Off
Eric Scribener asked:
Tucson Arizona has always enjoyed a great reputation as a vacation destination - and it is becoming more popular every year. The primary reason for this reputation is the weather. Even in the winter months, average daytime temperatures remain in the 50° - 60° range. Rainfall is almost non-existent, though in the months of July and August it can reach just over 2″ per month. Abundant sunshine, warm temperatures, and the absence of rain combine to create a vacation destination that is easy to pack for, and facilitates the maximum time out of doors - without fear of selected activities being ruined by a rainy day.
Another obvious reason that Tucson Arizona is such a highly regarded vacation destination is the geography - or ‘terrain,’ if you prefer. From anywhere in Tucson you can see several mountain ranges, but to get to them you must cross some desert. A twenty minute drive through the unique beauty of the Arizona desert puts you at the base of a mountain - the most celebrated of which is mount Lemmon. Twenty minutes more and the desert is gone. The exciting drive up the twisting Mt. Lemmon road offers travelers several visually compelling changes in geology, flora, and ecosystems. There are no bad views on this drive - it’s non-stop eye candy the entire way up to the summit. And some strategically placed pullouts offer panoramic vistas of some of the most stunning landscape in North America.
When you decide to vacation in Tucson Arizona, there are a few things to know that will make your trip easier, more fun, and more enjoyable. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure that you get the most out of your time in the ‘Little Pueblo.’
SUNSCREEN
No matter how conditioned your skin is to the sun, be sure to bring sunscreen. During the summer months, if you’re going to be outdoors for more than thirty minutes, be sure to apply some to exposed areas of skin. During the summer, the UV Index in Tucson rarely drops mellow the maximum - and exposed skin will start to burn in 10-15 minutes! Select a protection level that suits your skin, and your planned activity. The longer you’ll be outside, the more protection you’ll need.
OUTERWEAR
The desert gets cool at night. It’s not so much that the temperatures drop as that due to the extreme daytime heat and intense sun, the evenings and night ‘feel’ quite chilly. Visitors who have decided to vacation in Tucson are more susceptible to this sensation as they are not used to the daily climate shift. A light jacket is usually quite sufficient to ward off these chills, which can be quite uncomfortable if you’ve gotten even a mild sunburn.
WATER
Everyone who vacations in Tucson is understandably driven to go out and see the famous deserts - and all the amazing animals and plants that inhabit it. You already know to take along sunscreen, now you need to add water to your list. If not water, then some other liquids for you to drink. When you are in the desert, you need to drink. If you get thirsty, you’re already starting to dehydrate - something that can a) happen quickly in the desert and b) be quite serious. Take water along on your desert treks, and drink it at regular intervals.
CAMERA
This may sound too basic to be mentioned, but Tucson and the surrounding areas offer some of the most exhilarating scenery in the world - some of which can only be seen in the Tucson area. One of the most common comments from vacationers is that they did not bring enough film, or adequate digital storage. Be prepared to pictures - more than you think you will. Who knows, you may just get a great shot of a Roadrunner, a Pygmy Owl - or perhaps even a Gila Monster (one of only two venomous lizards in the world).
DESERT WALKING FOOTWEAR
If you plan to go out into the Sonora Deserts around Tucson, you’ll want good footwear. Today, many people are wearing tennis shoes for pretty much everything, and they’re okay in some areas. But if you want to really walk the deserts, be sure to have something more substantial. The biggest problem with tennis shoes is that they are relatively easily pierced by cactus tines. Make no mistake about it, a pancake cactus tine through your foot will definitely ruin your day - or your entire vacation.
KNOW THE ANIMALS
Briefly, there are some dangerous animals in the deserts around Tucson - some more than others. There are also some plants that you should be cautious of. If you plan to trek into the desert, be sure to familiarize yourself with these plants and animals that include rattlesnakes, scorpions, spiders, Gila Monsters, and several types of cactus that can really ruin a vacation if touched - even lightly. Visit http://www.dotcomtucson.com/tucsonarizonafaunaflorageology_topography.html for an excellent overview of these plants and animals. For information, or in time of need, you can contact the Arizona Poison Control and Drug Information Center by calling 1-800-362-0101 or 1- 800-222-1222.
FEELING COOL IS A TRICK - DON’T FALL FOR IT!!!
The Sonora Deserts surrounding Tucson Arizona are, by definition, “hot and dry.” The body’s cooling system is both simple, and effective. You get hot and you perspire. The water-based perspiration evaporates on your skin, dissipating the heat much more rapidly, and thereby cooling you. You don’t feel this effect too much in humid areas, but in the desert it is quite noticeable. Unfortunately, people who are not accustomed to this biological wonder mistakenly think they are cool - when they are actually not cool at all. This cooling illusion is at the core of many of the worst sunburns experienced by vacationers in Tucson and the surrounding desert areas. The dry air cools the perspiring body so efficiently that even in the slightest breeze, many people will shiver in 100° weather. Keep an eye on this phenomenon - you don’t want to spend the end of your vacation sitting in your hotel room with pain-relieving lotions slathered all over your glowing body.
SOME PLACES NOT TO MISS
So many people come to Tucson Arizona for the world class golf, spas, and resorts that they miss some of the other most attractive, and most amazing things to do and see. You can spruce up your trip considerably by checking out some of the area’s attractions that receive a little less press than the famous golf courses, spas and resorts. A partial list of these attractions and activities include:
Biodome II
Kitt peak
Flandrau Planetarium
Old Tucson Movie Studio
4th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park
The Desert Museum
Gate’s Pass
Tombstone Arizona is only an hour away
Now, all you have to do is make your plans for a great vacation with loads of activities for everyone in the family. Tucson Arizona awaits you!
DEMETRIOU
Tucson Arizona has always enjoyed a great reputation as a vacation destination - and it is becoming more popular every year. The primary reason for this reputation is the weather. Even in the winter months, average daytime temperatures remain in the 50° - 60° range. Rainfall is almost non-existent, though in the months of July and August it can reach just over 2″ per month. Abundant sunshine, warm temperatures, and the absence of rain combine to create a vacation destination that is easy to pack for, and facilitates the maximum time out of doors - without fear of selected activities being ruined by a rainy day.
Another obvious reason that Tucson Arizona is such a highly regarded vacation destination is the geography - or ‘terrain,’ if you prefer. From anywhere in Tucson you can see several mountain ranges, but to get to them you must cross some desert. A twenty minute drive through the unique beauty of the Arizona desert puts you at the base of a mountain - the most celebrated of which is mount Lemmon. Twenty minutes more and the desert is gone. The exciting drive up the twisting Mt. Lemmon road offers travelers several visually compelling changes in geology, flora, and ecosystems. There are no bad views on this drive - it’s non-stop eye candy the entire way up to the summit. And some strategically placed pullouts offer panoramic vistas of some of the most stunning landscape in North America.
When you decide to vacation in Tucson Arizona, there are a few things to know that will make your trip easier, more fun, and more enjoyable. Here are some tips and suggestions to ensure that you get the most out of your time in the ‘Little Pueblo.’
SUNSCREEN
No matter how conditioned your skin is to the sun, be sure to bring sunscreen. During the summer months, if you’re going to be outdoors for more than thirty minutes, be sure to apply some to exposed areas of skin. During the summer, the UV Index in Tucson rarely drops mellow the maximum - and exposed skin will start to burn in 10-15 minutes! Select a protection level that suits your skin, and your planned activity. The longer you’ll be outside, the more protection you’ll need.
OUTERWEAR
The desert gets cool at night. It’s not so much that the temperatures drop as that due to the extreme daytime heat and intense sun, the evenings and night ‘feel’ quite chilly. Visitors who have decided to vacation in Tucson are more susceptible to this sensation as they are not used to the daily climate shift. A light jacket is usually quite sufficient to ward off these chills, which can be quite uncomfortable if you’ve gotten even a mild sunburn.
WATER
Everyone who vacations in Tucson is understandably driven to go out and see the famous deserts - and all the amazing animals and plants that inhabit it. You already know to take along sunscreen, now you need to add water to your list. If not water, then some other liquids for you to drink. When you are in the desert, you need to drink. If you get thirsty, you’re already starting to dehydrate - something that can a) happen quickly in the desert and b) be quite serious. Take water along on your desert treks, and drink it at regular intervals.
CAMERA
This may sound too basic to be mentioned, but Tucson and the surrounding areas offer some of the most exhilarating scenery in the world - some of which can only be seen in the Tucson area. One of the most common comments from vacationers is that they did not bring enough film, or adequate digital storage. Be prepared to pictures - more than you think you will. Who knows, you may just get a great shot of a Roadrunner, a Pygmy Owl - or perhaps even a Gila Monster (one of only two venomous lizards in the world).
DESERT WALKING FOOTWEAR
If you plan to go out into the Sonora Deserts around Tucson, you’ll want good footwear. Today, many people are wearing tennis shoes for pretty much everything, and they’re okay in some areas. But if you want to really walk the deserts, be sure to have something more substantial. The biggest problem with tennis shoes is that they are relatively easily pierced by cactus tines. Make no mistake about it, a pancake cactus tine through your foot will definitely ruin your day - or your entire vacation.
KNOW THE ANIMALS
Briefly, there are some dangerous animals in the deserts around Tucson - some more than others. There are also some plants that you should be cautious of. If you plan to trek into the desert, be sure to familiarize yourself with these plants and animals that include rattlesnakes, scorpions, spiders, Gila Monsters, and several types of cactus that can really ruin a vacation if touched - even lightly. Visit http://www.dotcomtucson.com/tucsonarizonafaunaflorageology_topography.html for an excellent overview of these plants and animals. For information, or in time of need, you can contact the Arizona Poison Control and Drug Information Center by calling 1-800-362-0101 or 1- 800-222-1222.
FEELING COOL IS A TRICK - DON’T FALL FOR IT!!!
The Sonora Deserts surrounding Tucson Arizona are, by definition, “hot and dry.” The body’s cooling system is both simple, and effective. You get hot and you perspire. The water-based perspiration evaporates on your skin, dissipating the heat much more rapidly, and thereby cooling you. You don’t feel this effect too much in humid areas, but in the desert it is quite noticeable. Unfortunately, people who are not accustomed to this biological wonder mistakenly think they are cool - when they are actually not cool at all. This cooling illusion is at the core of many of the worst sunburns experienced by vacationers in Tucson and the surrounding desert areas. The dry air cools the perspiring body so efficiently that even in the slightest breeze, many people will shiver in 100° weather. Keep an eye on this phenomenon - you don’t want to spend the end of your vacation sitting in your hotel room with pain-relieving lotions slathered all over your glowing body.
SOME PLACES NOT TO MISS
So many people come to Tucson Arizona for the world class golf, spas, and resorts that they miss some of the other most attractive, and most amazing things to do and see. You can spruce up your trip considerably by checking out some of the area’s attractions that receive a little less press than the famous golf courses, spas and resorts. A partial list of these attractions and activities include:
Biodome II
Kitt peak
Flandrau Planetarium
Old Tucson Movie Studio
4th Avenue
Agua Caliente Park
The Desert Museum
Gate’s Pass
Tombstone Arizona is only an hour away
Now, all you have to do is make your plans for a great vacation with loads of activities for everyone in the family. Tucson Arizona awaits you!
DEMETRIOU
Aug
14
Best of Tucson Gem and Jewelry Shows
Filed Under Business | Comments Off
Robert asked:
J.O.G.S. Tucson Gem and Jewelry show is the largest and most popular independent jewelry trade shows in the Tucson, Arizona area. Wholesale manufacturers, miners and international dealers gather at the Tucson Expo Center, the site of the J.O.G.S. show, every winter.
Buyer attendance at the J.O.G.S. show exceeds 27,000, composing over 4,000 jewelry firms. The majority of these are registered business owners representing the retail jewelry industry of the United States. The attendees of the J.O.G.S. show are owners of gift shops, private galleries, boutiques, department stores, and retail jewelry shops. The buyers are able to buy jewelry right on the floor as it is delivered; this makes J.O.G.S. a cash and carry show.
For the 2008 show, there will be approximately 800 booths of exhibitors selling wholesale finished jewelry, cut stones, gems, beads, coral, turquoise, amber and much more. The exhibitors are divided up by pavilions.
Must see at J.O.G.S.
A truly one of a kind Southwestern jewelry pavilion can only be found at the J.O.G.S. show. It is composed of great Mexican and Native American designs of turquoise and coral set in silver. Exhibiting are the top dealers, miners and manufacturers with the largest stock of jewelry from Albuquerque, Mexico and China.
The American Amber Association presents, at the J.O.G.S. show, the largest U.S. Amber pavilion. The pavilion is composed of amber designers and amber manufacturers from all the Baltic countries famous for their amber source. If you are an amber retailer or are just an amberholic, you will love this pavilion. The J.O.G.S. show is your once in a year opportunity to buy these great designs at an excellent price.
The Art Gem Décor pavilion contain some of the most beautiful décor items crafted out of stones, gems, copper, wood, metal and other materials. These are museum quality pieces created by some of the most talented artists in the world. This is truly one of the most unique art collections you will ever see, it is like an art show inside the J.O.G.S. show. Besides the exquisite art pieces, you can also find some great everyday interior design pieces. Other J.O.G.S. pavilions include the many international pavilions which represent the rich jewelry heritage of Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mexico and Nepal.
Products at the J.O.G.S. show
There are products at the J.O.G.S. show to suit just about any buyer. The product range covers all price points, from high end one of a kind designs to everyday popular items available at wholesale prices. Often buyers rely on the expertise of the wholesale sellers to pick out next season’s hottest selling lines. Buyers can be seen purchasing large quantities at wholesale prices as well as occasional one of a kind purchases intended for personal and private collections.
Venue of the J.O.G.S. show
Each J.O.G.S. show is held in the state of the art Tucson Expo Center, one of Tucson’s largest professional convention centers. The whole show takes place under one roof and on the same floor, ensuring that buyers visit every booth and no vendor gets left out. Great promotion, a complimentary lunch buffet for the buyers, top security and a red carpet atmosphere has been responsible for the success of the J.O.G.S. show.
NEUMEISTER
J.O.G.S. Tucson Gem and Jewelry show is the largest and most popular independent jewelry trade shows in the Tucson, Arizona area. Wholesale manufacturers, miners and international dealers gather at the Tucson Expo Center, the site of the J.O.G.S. show, every winter.
Buyer attendance at the J.O.G.S. show exceeds 27,000, composing over 4,000 jewelry firms. The majority of these are registered business owners representing the retail jewelry industry of the United States. The attendees of the J.O.G.S. show are owners of gift shops, private galleries, boutiques, department stores, and retail jewelry shops. The buyers are able to buy jewelry right on the floor as it is delivered; this makes J.O.G.S. a cash and carry show.
For the 2008 show, there will be approximately 800 booths of exhibitors selling wholesale finished jewelry, cut stones, gems, beads, coral, turquoise, amber and much more. The exhibitors are divided up by pavilions.
Must see at J.O.G.S.
A truly one of a kind Southwestern jewelry pavilion can only be found at the J.O.G.S. show. It is composed of great Mexican and Native American designs of turquoise and coral set in silver. Exhibiting are the top dealers, miners and manufacturers with the largest stock of jewelry from Albuquerque, Mexico and China.
The American Amber Association presents, at the J.O.G.S. show, the largest U.S. Amber pavilion. The pavilion is composed of amber designers and amber manufacturers from all the Baltic countries famous for their amber source. If you are an amber retailer or are just an amberholic, you will love this pavilion. The J.O.G.S. show is your once in a year opportunity to buy these great designs at an excellent price.
The Art Gem Décor pavilion contain some of the most beautiful décor items crafted out of stones, gems, copper, wood, metal and other materials. These are museum quality pieces created by some of the most talented artists in the world. This is truly one of the most unique art collections you will ever see, it is like an art show inside the J.O.G.S. show. Besides the exquisite art pieces, you can also find some great everyday interior design pieces. Other J.O.G.S. pavilions include the many international pavilions which represent the rich jewelry heritage of Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mexico and Nepal.
Products at the J.O.G.S. show
There are products at the J.O.G.S. show to suit just about any buyer. The product range covers all price points, from high end one of a kind designs to everyday popular items available at wholesale prices. Often buyers rely on the expertise of the wholesale sellers to pick out next season’s hottest selling lines. Buyers can be seen purchasing large quantities at wholesale prices as well as occasional one of a kind purchases intended for personal and private collections.
Venue of the J.O.G.S. show
Each J.O.G.S. show is held in the state of the art Tucson Expo Center, one of Tucson’s largest professional convention centers. The whole show takes place under one roof and on the same floor, ensuring that buyers visit every booth and no vendor gets left out. Great promotion, a complimentary lunch buffet for the buyers, top security and a red carpet atmosphere has been responsible for the success of the J.O.G.S. show.
NEUMEISTER
May
23
All About Tucson Shows
Filed Under Business | Comments Off
Robert asked:
The Tucson Gem and Mineral shows are the annual site for the world’s biggest treasure hunt. Hundreds of thousands of gem and jewelry enthusiasts, wholesalers, buyers and designers make their pilgrimage to this traditional epicenter of the American jewelry industry. They all come to see the exhibitors which consist of miners, jewelry manufacturers, stone carvers, importers, beads dealers and other sellers. Tucson’s annual gathering is a winter event starting in late January and running through end of feb. Since the 1950s the event has garnered world wide recognition and has been attracting visitors from 45 international jewelry hotspots.
The focus is on gems, minerals, jewelry, rocks, colored stones and beads. These come in every international flavor, including Brazilian cut gem stones and minerals, rough stones from Africa, pearls from South East Asia, Caribbean corals, and Baltic Amber. One can also find home décor products, art, boutiques and gifts made from stones. This is all distributed amongst more than 40 shows spread out around Tucson.
Visitors attending these shows are primarily owners of retail stores looking for the latest designs to display on their shelves. Many of the shows are not even open to the general public; you must be a retail jewelry store representative to get in. More casual visitors are just jewelry enthusiasts looking for a little something for themselves or to take a jewelry design class. Also in attendance are researches, university students and geologists. All in all, the Tucson Gem Shows bring over 110 million dollars into the Tucson economy each year. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, come out for the 2008 shows and see what all the commotion is all about.
RAMOS
The Tucson Gem and Mineral shows are the annual site for the world’s biggest treasure hunt. Hundreds of thousands of gem and jewelry enthusiasts, wholesalers, buyers and designers make their pilgrimage to this traditional epicenter of the American jewelry industry. They all come to see the exhibitors which consist of miners, jewelry manufacturers, stone carvers, importers, beads dealers and other sellers. Tucson’s annual gathering is a winter event starting in late January and running through end of feb. Since the 1950s the event has garnered world wide recognition and has been attracting visitors from 45 international jewelry hotspots.
The focus is on gems, minerals, jewelry, rocks, colored stones and beads. These come in every international flavor, including Brazilian cut gem stones and minerals, rough stones from Africa, pearls from South East Asia, Caribbean corals, and Baltic Amber. One can also find home décor products, art, boutiques and gifts made from stones. This is all distributed amongst more than 40 shows spread out around Tucson.
Visitors attending these shows are primarily owners of retail stores looking for the latest designs to display on their shelves. Many of the shows are not even open to the general public; you must be a retail jewelry store representative to get in. More casual visitors are just jewelry enthusiasts looking for a little something for themselves or to take a jewelry design class. Also in attendance are researches, university students and geologists. All in all, the Tucson Gem Shows bring over 110 million dollars into the Tucson economy each year. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, come out for the 2008 shows and see what all the commotion is all about.
RAMOS
Jan
25
Tucson Business, It’s About What You Want
Filed Under Business | Comments Off
Keith John Gill asked:
Tucson AZ, it is one of the fastest growing “High-tech” business communities in the nation. With this fast growth comes a greater demand for flexible, scalable, intuitive, feature rich, customizable, and economical options for business class data and voice solutions.
The interesting thing though is that this “demand” is born more out of what is “wanted” than what is really “needed”.
I represent a large competitive local exchange company (CLEC) where I focus on the local Tucson AZ business community. It is my job to give business owners and principles what they “want” not necessarily what they need. Often times what they “want” is also what they “need” but not all the time. But what a business “needs’ is never as nearly important as what they “want”
Think of this “need / want” dynamic on a generalized personal level. Do people generally more often buy and consume less healthy white bread or healthier whole wheat bread? Statistically people more often buy and consume white bread…Why? Because it is what people “want” not what they “need”. Get it?
So how does this apply “need / want” dynamic apply to the Tucson business community and specifically to business class data and voice solutions where my expertise comes into play?
There are quite of few choices locally here in Tucson AZ for a local Tucson business to use as their data and voice provider. You have Qwest which is the legacy, “incumbent local exchange company” or ILEC, then a handful of other “competitive local exchange companies” CLEC’s such as Cox and Comcast and then a small group of service resellers and other companies that exist solely in the IP world that offer private network IP based services.
Anyone of these choices can fill the “need” to get the job done for the local business owner. But the real question is what does the business owner “want”? What are the rising trends? And who can consistently provide for these “wants” and rising trends?
Based on my field tested experience and research these are the trends and “wants” that I see as on the rise among Tucson businesses in regards to their voice and data solutions.
1. Scalability: Businesses want the flexibility and the choice to logistically scale their data and voice needs as their business grows and not be locked into an “all or nothing” type of solution. A popular voice and data solution that is not scalable enough for a lot of business are legacy, copper wire T1 lines. A full T1 in the Tucson metro area can cost anywhere from $400 to $700 per month before mileage charges. T1’s also offer a maximum of 1.544Mbs of fully symmetrical bandwidth and nothing more. If a business owner ever wants more bandwidth they have to bring in a whole new sole and separate T1 and another $400 to $700 per month. Now what if a business does not need a full 1.544Mbs of data connectivity right away because they are a new and growing business? In this instance a T1 does not offer the scalability nor the flexibility that some businesses “want”.
2. True Local support and local point of contact: This is something I hear a lot. Local business owners and managers are tired of calling support or service and getting connected to someone in another state (or worse another country) who has no real relationship or vested interest in solving an issue in a painless and timely manner. Tucson business owners want the personal relationship and for vendors to truly understand and relate to a given “want”.
Tucson Businesses want personal, high-touch, one-on-one, and fanatical customer service and a local person that they can form a true professional relationship with.
One business owner told me that he loves that I can be the local Tucson based point of contact because if anything goes wrong with his voice and data connections, for his mission critical applications, he likes not having to go travel very far to find me and “punch me in the face…” . Of course he was being sarcastic….I think?
3. Ala Carte service and flexibility: Tucson business owners “want” to be able pick and choose the services and products that they truly “want” and not be locked in having to take a certain level of service before being able to get a certain feature or product with a whole bunch of other ancillary services that they may never use.
4. Custom solutions: Tucson businesses are extremely diverse and not one particular “off the shelf” solution will fit every business. Tucson Businesses want to be able to have the choice of a custom fit / custom engineered solution for their data and voice solutions.
5. Choice to bundle services and have one vendor: Tucson business owners love to “bundle”. Practically it makes sense NOT to layer costs spread out among several different vendors. Tucson business owners **** having to pay up to 4 different vendors for their data, voice and HD video needs for their businesses. Being able to write one check and have one point of contact is not only convenient but it also saves a lot of lost time and frustration which in turn creates more productivity and profitability
6. Service and feature that cater to mobility and telecommuting: Tucson Business are moving away from the full time, static “brick and mortar” locations and are increasingly become more mobile in their business practices. Hence Tucson businesses want their data and voice solutions to be as mobile as they are like “digital voice service” with such features as “find me / follow me”, “call hunt”, “simultaneous ring” etc. Likewise on the data side Tucson business owners want the ability to access files and folders on their own private network remotely. Be it a virtual private network sessions or setting up a wide area network Tucson business owners need access from any location at any time they need it.
Also, I have noticed that an increasing amount of Tucson businesses are employing home workers or “telecommuters”. Especially those companies that employ a large customer support or technical support work force. To me this is a great thing. Automobile traffic is becoming an increasing nightmare in Tucson not too mention gas prices. So if more people can effectively work at home the better it is for everyone.
Being that “telecommuting” is becoming more of a growing trend for Tucson business, business owners want features and service that support this trend. Such as remote call forwarding, remote VPN access or having a wide area network or WAN for short.
7. Several different price points and bandwidth tiers to choose from: This ties back in with scalability and flexibility. Tucson business owners do not want to be locked into an “all or nothing scenario”. Tucson business owners want an economical solution that is fluid and can scale and grow as their business grows. Not all businesses want a full T1 data and voice connection to begin with when starting out and some business want a lot more than what a T1 can provide once their business grow and evolves.
8. True understanding of Personal Business WANTS: Did you ever meet someone who tried to serve you vanilla when you never “wanted” anything but chocolate. Vendors and sales people have gotten a bad reputation for constantly trying to pound a square peg in a round hole all because they don’t take the time to truly listen and understand your “wants” as a business owner. Most vendors try to constantly give you what they think you “need” but never address what you want.
Now, there are several different “wants” and growing business trends here in Tucson AZ in regards to data and voice connectivity but these are the most common I have run across.
So now that we have uncovered the growing trends for Tucson Business in regards to data and voice connectivity and what they “want” (not what they need) how does a business choose a vendor that can consistently deliver on these most common “wants” and trends? Very carefully, that’s how.
Never sign anything unless you are sure your potential vendor is going to be able to consistently deliver on your business “wants”. Again, it is my job to give Tucson businesses what they “want” and I will be the first one to tell you that I can not deliver something and recommend who can. Most times I and the company I represent are the best choice. But sometimes we are not.
Remember, it’s about what you “want” not what you “need…Now go get what you want.
BALDUS
Tucson AZ, it is one of the fastest growing “High-tech” business communities in the nation. With this fast growth comes a greater demand for flexible, scalable, intuitive, feature rich, customizable, and economical options for business class data and voice solutions.
The interesting thing though is that this “demand” is born more out of what is “wanted” than what is really “needed”.
I represent a large competitive local exchange company (CLEC) where I focus on the local Tucson AZ business community. It is my job to give business owners and principles what they “want” not necessarily what they need. Often times what they “want” is also what they “need” but not all the time. But what a business “needs’ is never as nearly important as what they “want”
Think of this “need / want” dynamic on a generalized personal level. Do people generally more often buy and consume less healthy white bread or healthier whole wheat bread? Statistically people more often buy and consume white bread…Why? Because it is what people “want” not what they “need”. Get it?
So how does this apply “need / want” dynamic apply to the Tucson business community and specifically to business class data and voice solutions where my expertise comes into play?
There are quite of few choices locally here in Tucson AZ for a local Tucson business to use as their data and voice provider. You have Qwest which is the legacy, “incumbent local exchange company” or ILEC, then a handful of other “competitive local exchange companies” CLEC’s such as Cox and Comcast and then a small group of service resellers and other companies that exist solely in the IP world that offer private network IP based services.
Anyone of these choices can fill the “need” to get the job done for the local business owner. But the real question is what does the business owner “want”? What are the rising trends? And who can consistently provide for these “wants” and rising trends?
Based on my field tested experience and research these are the trends and “wants” that I see as on the rise among Tucson businesses in regards to their voice and data solutions.
1. Scalability: Businesses want the flexibility and the choice to logistically scale their data and voice needs as their business grows and not be locked into an “all or nothing” type of solution. A popular voice and data solution that is not scalable enough for a lot of business are legacy, copper wire T1 lines. A full T1 in the Tucson metro area can cost anywhere from $400 to $700 per month before mileage charges. T1’s also offer a maximum of 1.544Mbs of fully symmetrical bandwidth and nothing more. If a business owner ever wants more bandwidth they have to bring in a whole new sole and separate T1 and another $400 to $700 per month. Now what if a business does not need a full 1.544Mbs of data connectivity right away because they are a new and growing business? In this instance a T1 does not offer the scalability nor the flexibility that some businesses “want”.
2. True Local support and local point of contact: This is something I hear a lot. Local business owners and managers are tired of calling support or service and getting connected to someone in another state (or worse another country) who has no real relationship or vested interest in solving an issue in a painless and timely manner. Tucson business owners want the personal relationship and for vendors to truly understand and relate to a given “want”.
Tucson Businesses want personal, high-touch, one-on-one, and fanatical customer service and a local person that they can form a true professional relationship with.
One business owner told me that he loves that I can be the local Tucson based point of contact because if anything goes wrong with his voice and data connections, for his mission critical applications, he likes not having to go travel very far to find me and “punch me in the face…” . Of course he was being sarcastic….I think?
3. Ala Carte service and flexibility: Tucson business owners “want” to be able pick and choose the services and products that they truly “want” and not be locked in having to take a certain level of service before being able to get a certain feature or product with a whole bunch of other ancillary services that they may never use.
4. Custom solutions: Tucson businesses are extremely diverse and not one particular “off the shelf” solution will fit every business. Tucson Businesses want to be able to have the choice of a custom fit / custom engineered solution for their data and voice solutions.
5. Choice to bundle services and have one vendor: Tucson business owners love to “bundle”. Practically it makes sense NOT to layer costs spread out among several different vendors. Tucson business owners **** having to pay up to 4 different vendors for their data, voice and HD video needs for their businesses. Being able to write one check and have one point of contact is not only convenient but it also saves a lot of lost time and frustration which in turn creates more productivity and profitability
6. Service and feature that cater to mobility and telecommuting: Tucson Business are moving away from the full time, static “brick and mortar” locations and are increasingly become more mobile in their business practices. Hence Tucson businesses want their data and voice solutions to be as mobile as they are like “digital voice service” with such features as “find me / follow me”, “call hunt”, “simultaneous ring” etc. Likewise on the data side Tucson business owners want the ability to access files and folders on their own private network remotely. Be it a virtual private network sessions or setting up a wide area network Tucson business owners need access from any location at any time they need it.
Also, I have noticed that an increasing amount of Tucson businesses are employing home workers or “telecommuters”. Especially those companies that employ a large customer support or technical support work force. To me this is a great thing. Automobile traffic is becoming an increasing nightmare in Tucson not too mention gas prices. So if more people can effectively work at home the better it is for everyone.
Being that “telecommuting” is becoming more of a growing trend for Tucson business, business owners want features and service that support this trend. Such as remote call forwarding, remote VPN access or having a wide area network or WAN for short.
7. Several different price points and bandwidth tiers to choose from: This ties back in with scalability and flexibility. Tucson business owners do not want to be locked into an “all or nothing scenario”. Tucson business owners want an economical solution that is fluid and can scale and grow as their business grows. Not all businesses want a full T1 data and voice connection to begin with when starting out and some business want a lot more than what a T1 can provide once their business grow and evolves.
8. True understanding of Personal Business WANTS: Did you ever meet someone who tried to serve you vanilla when you never “wanted” anything but chocolate. Vendors and sales people have gotten a bad reputation for constantly trying to pound a square peg in a round hole all because they don’t take the time to truly listen and understand your “wants” as a business owner. Most vendors try to constantly give you what they think you “need” but never address what you want.
Now, there are several different “wants” and growing business trends here in Tucson AZ in regards to data and voice connectivity but these are the most common I have run across.
So now that we have uncovered the growing trends for Tucson Business in regards to data and voice connectivity and what they “want” (not what they need) how does a business choose a vendor that can consistently deliver on these most common “wants” and trends? Very carefully, that’s how.
Never sign anything unless you are sure your potential vendor is going to be able to consistently deliver on your business “wants”. Again, it is my job to give Tucson businesses what they “want” and I will be the first one to tell you that I can not deliver something and recommend who can. Most times I and the company I represent are the best choice. But sometimes we are not.
Remember, it’s about what you “want” not what you “need…Now go get what you want.
BALDUS
Jan
24
The River Park Inn: Perfect Place to Stay in Tucson, Arizona
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the riverpark asked:
Welcome to the River Park Inn Hotel - Your Downtown Oasis in Tucson. With its fascinating blend of cultures and physical beauty, Tucson is one of America’s most charming cities.
The River Park Inn with its Southwestern décor, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff is the perfect place to stay whether you are traveling for business or pleasure.
FREE Full American Breakfast
FREE High Speed Internet Access
FREE Heated Pool & Jacuzzi
FREE Microwave/Refrigerator
Room Service available from Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern
Direct TV, In-Room Safe, 2-Line Speaker Telephones,
Hair Dryer, Iron & Ironing Board, In-Room Coffee.
Guest Laundry/Valet Service, Complimentary Newspaper (M-F )
Recreation:
Heated Pool and Jacuzzi, Fitness Center, Tennis, Paddle Tennis, Shuffleboard, Badminton, Bikes, Abundant Bike Paths, Jogging Path, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Free Parking
MINUTES FROM:
Convention Center (walking distance), Downtown Tucson (walking distance)
University of Arizona, Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum
Davis Monthan AFB, Pima Air & Space Museum
Tucson International Airport, Historic Arts District, Old Tucson Studios, Golf Courses
Contact:
350 South Freeway,
Tucson, Arizona USA 85745
Site : http://www.theriverparkinn.com/
Phone: 520.239.2300, 800.551.1466,
Toll Free: 800.551.1466
Fax: 520.622.8143, 520.239.2329,
E-mail: sales@theriverparkinn.com
HAGAMAN
Welcome to the River Park Inn Hotel - Your Downtown Oasis in Tucson. With its fascinating blend of cultures and physical beauty, Tucson is one of America’s most charming cities.
The River Park Inn with its Southwestern décor, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff is the perfect place to stay whether you are traveling for business or pleasure.
FREE Full American Breakfast
FREE High Speed Internet Access
FREE Heated Pool & Jacuzzi
FREE Microwave/Refrigerator
Room Service available from Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern
Direct TV, In-Room Safe, 2-Line Speaker Telephones,
Hair Dryer, Iron & Ironing Board, In-Room Coffee.
Guest Laundry/Valet Service, Complimentary Newspaper (M-F )
Recreation:
Heated Pool and Jacuzzi, Fitness Center, Tennis, Paddle Tennis, Shuffleboard, Badminton, Bikes, Abundant Bike Paths, Jogging Path, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Free Parking
MINUTES FROM:
Convention Center (walking distance), Downtown Tucson (walking distance)
University of Arizona, Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum
Davis Monthan AFB, Pima Air & Space Museum
Tucson International Airport, Historic Arts District, Old Tucson Studios, Golf Courses
Contact:
350 South Freeway,
Tucson, Arizona USA 85745
Site : http://www.theriverparkinn.com/
Phone: 520.239.2300, 800.551.1466,
Toll Free: 800.551.1466
Fax: 520.622.8143, 520.239.2329,
E-mail: sales@theriverparkinn.com
HAGAMAN