Oh, Hi-Oh (a marketing view from a rental car)

Apparently, it is customary to greet people in Columbus not with the traditional "Hi", "Hello" or "good morning" but rather with a firm "O, H"  which if said in a booming full voice will elicit the window shattering "I, O" from everyone in the metro area.

The Ohio State University plays a big role in the youthfulness of the city. Being from Big XII Country, Ive not experienced this phenomenon before, but the proud locals of Columbus Ohio have reason to boat about their growing Capital City.  As an Outsider I was expecting the traditional Midwest hospitality and kindness but was greatly impressed by the areas Amenities - both culinarilly (is this even a word?) and geographically. 

From my temporary home for a week in the Bustling and quite clean downtown (I stayed at a hotel across from the convention center) I was with in short walking distance of no fewer than a dozen eating options.  Being a fan of fine hand crafted Beer, I was pleased to sample the food and beverages at both the Elevator Brewery and Barleys Brewery (one block from my room).  Most businesses were lively at all hours, but not overcrowded.  Ample outdoor seating was available on every block as people enjoyed happy hour in the warm summer sun.  Its clear this town has clearly worked to polish its image as part of its own marketing.

It was when I drove north that I was surprised to see thick forest with streams and rivers cutting thru the hillsides dotted with fine homes.  It seemed the folks at Real Living HER (the local Realtors) had almost every listing I saw. 

Its funny, I frequently talk about FloorPlanOnline to agents who don't get it.  They don't see the need to spend money online and have not let go of newspaper and print ads or they believe TV is the way  to go.  (despite the fact that the avg buyer is in their young 30's and doesn't read the paper). Instead, Real Living HER has developed a whole new approach, combining and balancing every aspect of contemporary marketing in an approach they call "360 Marketing".  Im very pleased to be working with HER agents now, and would strongly recommend their services. 

By far the best point of my Columbus Trip, was shaking the hand of Active Rain Guru and HER agent Maureen McCabe.  She was the first person to comment on my blog and I made my first comment on a blog ever on hers.  Sadly, I still owe her a beer for showing me the light - Next time Maureen?