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May 2009
Executive Errands eNewsletter
A Cactus By Any Other Name...
In This Issue
The Great Water Controversy
Our Favorite Things
Service Provider Spotlight - The Branded Basket
Service Provider Spotlight - Water Off
Did You Know?
Personal Concierge Service
Quick Links
 
Join Our Mailing List
Greetings!
 
When it comes to names, what separates a good one from a bad one?  Is there even such a thing as a 'bad' name?  Two separate incidents this month caused me to ponder - just how important are the names we choose?

My third grandchild, a girl to be named Kennedy, is due later this month.  We are Baby Namesvery excited and can't wait to meet her.  Her parents (my daughter and her husband) spent months trying to pick the perfect name for their new daughter.  My advice for them was to practice saying each candidate in mock disciplinary fashion.  Why? Because a multi-syllable name is easier to holler than a single syllable.  While that advice was meant to be funny, it's a truth we mothers all know. (see? I know you just tried it!)
 
Name ChangeAnd then recently, someone dear to me legally changed their name.  People change their names all the time - performers do it regularly to create a specific image and women more often than not adopt their husband's surname after the wedding.  It's fairly easy to do - fill out the paperwork, file a public record, get a judge to bang a gavel, notify the proper governmental agencies.  Voila~ you're a new person!
 
But people names are not the only names we think about.  What about picking a business name?  Probably one of the single most important aspects of starting your own business is name selection.  What does your company name say about you? How does it convey your products or services? 

Company names form the foundation of Rolodex nameour branding efforts and marketing strategy; therefore one must carefully consider image, identification, memory recall, Internet search engine results - even geographic location may have an impact on the name you choose.

Along with the many legal ramifications associated with starting a new business, your company Unique Nameswill have a unique personal identity and reputation.  Any name with '& Sons' after it is interpreted as a family business.  A company with 'Inc' after it is considered bigger or more professional than one without.  A company name that clearly states what you do is much easier for your potential customers to remember than something 'cute' or subtle.

We think long and hard before choosing a name for our children - how the first, middle and last name sound together, our own perceptions of different names, family legacies and traditions, even how a given name might be nicknamed later in life. 

That same level of care should be used when giving birth to a business. Promoting your company will account for a significant Make it stickportion of your operating costs.  Having the foresight to plan for your reputation, image and growth can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.  And just like your children's names, your business name is one you're going to live with for a (hopefully) long time - make sure it's a good one!
  
For more information about Executive Errands,
please visit our website

www.executive-errands.com 
or call us today at 760.469.2487

The Great Water Controversy 

Leave it On?  Turn it Off? 

The most frequent homeowner question we get: "When we leave for the summer, should we turn the water off or leave it on?"
 
Our response is always: "Both, if possible".
 
Wet FloorHere is the naked truth: Floods happen often here in the Desert, they are expensive (no matter how small they are) and they occur for any number of reasons.  The heat here also promotes mold growth so any delay in resolution can exacerbate both the problem and the repair cost.

Why not simply turn off the water and avoid the possibility of flooding?  Because the following things can happen in as little as two weeks:
 

       Uncirculated water heaters are subject to  bacteria growth

      Unused dishwashers and washing machines can seize and/or

      Appliance seals, gaskets, o-rings, and interconnections can dry out or shrink, then leak once they're started back up again

      Drain water can evaporate, leaving traps dry - pests can (and will) enter the house through dry drains

      Unused lavatory mechanisms can dry out and then leak once they get used again

      In some communities, there is a single main line for the house and the pool and/or the landscaping - turning off one, turns off all

Even if you leave the water on, there is still the Leaky Pipecirculation issue and the need to operate your appliances and fixtures to keep all surfaces and connections properly functioning.

So what's a homeowner to do if the preference is to turn off the water? 
 
Executive Errands is now offering the addition of a switch (see Service Provider below for more info) that allows the water to be easily turned off from inside the house and then each week, when we come to do your absentee home check, we'll flip it back on, run all the circulation, then turn it back off before we leave.  That way there is virtually no chance of flooding from inside the house between home checks. 
 
Either way, opt to leave the water on or off, our 30+ point absentee home checks are a 'must'. Whether you're going to be gone for a week or several months, please contact us for more information about Executive Errands Absentee Home Checks, our other services or the water turn off switch.  We may be reached at 760.469.2487 or by email [email protected]  

Our Favorite Things

Better than Live - Cacti 
 
Cactus SculptureWe attended both the La Quinta and Indian Wells Art Festivals and absolutely fell in love with the Desert Steel Company 'Cactus'.  These pieces are unbelievably lifelike and quite beautiful.  Made by hand, entirely of steel, with realistic patinas, they are works of art worthy enough for the most prestigious homes in our valley.
 
Desert Steel Co. is located in, of all places, Wichita, Kansas.  They build and ship these art pieces all over the Country and in fact have been featured at least a half dozen times on ABC TV's Extreme Home Makeover.
 
They make Saguaro, Spear, Barrel and Prickly Pear Agavecacti as well as the gorgeous Agave - you can not tell them from real unless you touch them. If desired, the cacti may be fitted with low voltage outdoor lights or misters to make them dual purpose. And even more exciting - they don't require any water or maintenance so they are environmentally friendly.
 
To find out more about Desert Steel Co. or to place an order, please contact Herb Aten at 520.822.6348 or visit their website at www.desertsteel.netone of our favorite things!  Be sure to mention keyword "ERRANDS"
   
["Our Favorite Things" gives us an opportunity to share people, places, events and things that we truly love and that you might too.  We have no business affiliation with any company or individual featured here.  We just want to share good things with you and if our recommendations help build business for someone else or saves you time or money, GREAT!!!]
Service Provider Spotlight
The Branded Basket
 
Branded Basket LogoYou finally settled on a new company name, now what?  Well, one of the things you'll need to do is build a brand.  What is the look and feel of your company?  What will you use for promotional items? How will you market your company?
 
We are pleased to introduce The Branded Basket as Executive Errands' newest Service Provider.  Using your company's promotional products they'll stage your products for gifts, thank you's, charities, showrooms and window displays.  Don't have promotional products? They can help you with that as well. The Branded Basket (a perfect company name) creates truly unique gifts to help make your company look professional, fun, and generous.
 
If you would like non-branded gift baskets, TheBB Golf Basket Branded Basket can assist with all your special days - baby showers, Mother's (or Father's) day, bridal gifts, birthdays.  So whether you need 100 Corporate Baskets or a single personal one - The Branded Basket is your perfect source.
 
For more information about The Branded Basket, please contact LeAnn DeGroot at 760.340.9569 or www.brandedbasket.comBe sure to mention keyword "CONCIERGE" when you call.
 
Executive Errands is also pleased to announce we are the delivery service of choice for The Branded Basket.
 
Executive Errands strives to bring you the very best in insured Service Providers.  When you need a basket for any occasion - personal or corporate - we are just a phone call away. 
760.469.2487
Service Provider Spotlight
Water Off
 
Water Off LogoWe all know someone who has experienced the nightmare of coming home to a water damage disaster.  Even slow leaks can create serious damage when left unattended for days, weeks, even months.
 
And yes, water may be turned off at the main valve, assuming you can find it and can determine if it is only for the house or whether it may affect the pool and/or landscaping.  There is a better way.
 
As is our practice and in an attempt to further help simplify your life, Executive Errands brings you wateroffboxWater Off the elegantly easy little device that allows you to turn off or turn on the water in your home with just the flip of a switch.
 
Usually a simple plumbing effort is all it takes to give you fingertip control.  The close/open time is 90 seconds which allows a gradual shut off or re-start of your water flow.
 
This product is very exciting for us here at Executive Errands because not only is it easy for you, but it also enhances our Absentee Home Checks.  Even though we visit weekly, there's always the time between visits to worry about.  The Water Off switch adds an extra sense of security where water leaks are concerned.
 
For more information about this unique product, please visit www.wateroff.com or Sonny at 760.340.3005 Be sure to mention keyword "EEWATER" when you call.
 
If you'd like an installation quote, please contact us here at 
760.469.2487 www.executive-errands.com  Water off, like all our Service Providers is insured.
Executive Errands
Did You Know?
 
We here at Executive Errands have been coordinating installation of a number of the Water Off valves and Earthquake Seismic gas shutoff valves.
 
eqvalveBoth of these valves may qualify for rebates or discounts on your Homeowner's Insurance.  If you've had them installed or are planning to install one (or both), please be sure to contact your insurance Broker to inquire about rebates/discounts. 
 
We want our homeowners to get the absolute best value from our services and those of our Service Provider network.  You can count on us to consistently bring you the most varied, unique and value-added services we can find. It is our job to help simplify your life and we do!
 
For more information, please contact us at
www.executive-errands.comor 760.469.2487
 Personal Concierge Service
 
Should you find water damage, Executive Errands has water remediation specialists in our network.  In fact, we have assisted our Clients with water dryouts, leak detection, inspections and mold remediation using properly licensed and insured providers.
 
When our clients can't be here, we are their proxy, interfacing and working to resolve their issues, not only with water, but for whatever turns up at their homes. 
 
Before you pick up a phone book, give Executive Errands a call - no matter what you need, you can rest assured our Concierges and our Service Providers are reliable, responsive, insured and provide high quality work.  We are available at your convenience.
 
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th.  My daughter's arejuggleworkandhome now adults (one just turned 30, egad!) and either have children of their own or are about to give birth.  As this Mother's Day approaches, I marvel at their ability to juggle work and home.  The time they spend doing homework with their sons.  The fact my 3 year old grandson can already ride a two-wheeled bicycle (without training wheels, mind you).  The unbelievable number of cupcakes made for school year after year. 
 
Oh, yes, we did it too, but it seems with all the Corporate down-sizing and right-sizing and out-sourcing that job responsibilities have increased with little in the way of added time nor any consideration for family.
 
NotenoughtimeAccording to the American Time Use Survey Summary published in 2007 (the most current one I could find): Of the families with children age 6 through 17, the average parent only spends 
46 minutes PER DAY engaging in leisurely activities with their children (i.e. reading to them or talking with them).  What an absolutely dismal statistic!
 
Rachel Carson - environmentalist 1907-1964 said "If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
 
As this Mother's Day approaches, perhaps we can makefamilyformothers a conscious effort to add a few more minutes each day to spend quality time with our children.  Turn off the video games, shut off the computer and go outside.  Or read with them.  Or initiate game night.  Or have dinner together.  Something that takes us back to the simpler time when we interacted with one another.

(Source for American Time User Survey: www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm
)
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MothersdayIs it May already? Wow, where does the time go?  Thank you, thank you, our faithful readers.  We value you more than we can express.  Have a wonderful Mother's Day and a safe and family-oriented Memorial Day. 
 
This months' newsletter doesn't seem to offer a broad enough view of all the services we have to offer - Please remember we have an extremely wide array of services designed to free up your life.  Everything from solar energy to wedding planning.  Housekeeping to contractor services.  Mobile jewelry services to tailoring your clothes.  Pet sitting to laundry.  Need a limo? Assistance grocery shopping? Have an M&M candy craving?
 
We're the people you call, true Personal Concierge service - no matter how big or how small the job, we're here to help.
 
Summer's coming - be sure to use your sunscreen (ahh that's the Mom in me) - and please forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues or anyone else you think might enjoy it.
 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Leslie Spoor ICEA
760.469.2487
Personal Concierge Service -  We're Giving It Away
 
4salesignAre you a Realtor?  These 2-hr gift certificates are offered to anyone who buys a home.  They are addressed to your client specifically and include your name as the person from whom the gift certificate originates.  It also includes a 'congratulations on your new home' message.  
 
All you need to do is email [email protected]  or call 760.469.2487 with the client name and we will get the certificate to you as quickly as possible.  This is a $110 gift that costs you nothing, yet will generate good will with your clients and hopefully will lead to increased referrals for you.  Please call us today to take advantage of this unique house-warming gift! This promotional offer is good indefinitely.