Who do you think I am?

I just started a new bi-weekly post series, on Wednesdays, entitled “#Who I Am” to help those of you who don’t know me, get to know me better; and, for those who do know me, to share with you some more specifics about who I am.  This series will focus on both personal and professional aspects of my life. 

For me, life is not about compartmentalizing, which I have written an entire blog. You can read it here.  My approach to life is as a whole person which combines both my personal and professional life. I would not have one if it were not for the other.  Yet, for the purposes of this article, I separate the two just to give you a snapshot of who I am since that is the easiest way. Like most working parents, my work-life balance changes daily, I am flexible because change is a reality and adapting is key for me to live within my life.

Professionally, I have created a consulting business that focuses on listening and developing a customized product that is authentic and genuine.  I am authentic because customers receive honesty, clarity and my entrepreneurial spirit as I approach each assignment. I am genuine because customers will not receive my perspective, my services or my product, from anyone else. 

While I am known for being authentic and genuine, it is nice to hear it echoed by clients:

 A client recently told me who I have been working with for 4+ years:

“Sonya, you never disappoint”. 

 A new, initially hesitant, client, after working with me, referred an industry colleague to me and wrote in the recommendation email

“I’ve found Sonya to be an honest agent & delivers on the promises she has made me.”

 I research, identify, develop and deliver content, connections, and new business. It sounds simple but I offer a strategically thoughtful service that few can replicate.

Personally, I have created a life filled with the people I love the most, my husband and daughter.  I make it a point to thank God for them every day.  Many of you know that I am the youngest of six children. Both of my parents came from huge families, each being one of fourteen children.  I have over 150 first cousins.  Believe me, it makes for a lively and festive family reunion when we do get together!  I am faith-driven and believe in God, the father of Abraham and actively practice my faith.  I am capable, persistent and loyal.  As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, godmother, cousin and friend I am an encourager-in-chief.  I lift up those I love to let them know they are capable!

This is a little snapshot of #WhoIAm.  Be on the lookout for these posts to learn more about me. Then when you and/or someone you know needs a capable professional to research, identify, develop and deliver content, connections or new business; please feel free to recommend me because I “never disappoint” and I am “an honest agent & deliver on the promises” I make.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants LLC. Sonya is a Business & Marketing Consultant; Content Creator & Connection-Maker; Thought Leader & Industry Expert and Book Author & Entrepreneur. Areas of expertise include: Retail, Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Human Resources. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 30 years . Please feel free to contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  Interested in Sonya’s books?  They can be found on Amazon.

What have YOU done for YOU lately?

TopSmead State Forest, Connecticut

The last time I took a pause in writing Sonya’s Blog, my mother died.  This time the silence was to focus on me; specifically, doing things this summer (while the days are longer and warmer) that I normally don’t have and/or make time to do.  I am dedicated to my clients, love what I do and continue to work hard with them daily. The time I traded was for my own product. Sound selfish? I don’t think so. I was doing this for me!

The blog was only suspended for a short period. Today, Sonya’s Blog is back. I’m happy to share that the trade-off was well-worth it. 

I intentionally added more love, peace, joy; and, ultimately replenished my soul with sunshine and adventure.  I had fun and here’s what I was able to enjoy:

A DIY Project: I love tall wildflowers at my mailbox and they have been missing for several seasons. I found a tray at my trusty independent nursery, Benedict’s, which I have written about before on Sonya’s Blog.  I planted them; and, now when I turn into my driveway, the flowers bring me joy.

Volunteering:  It was super rewarding because I was able to work alongside my teenage daughter.  I was not only supporting a non-profit with goods and/or financial help which we normally do; but we invested actual sweat equity.  I walked the walk showing my daughter that volunteering is priceless. She also showed me her strength and her passion in working with children. By the way, my daughter logged 35 hours a week for 5 weeks.  I didn’t log anywhere near those hours. Kudos to her!  Check out the organization.  It may be a cause that you want to help support, Horizons at Notre Dame Fairfield.

This is a picture drawn by one of my daughter’s students. 

A family gathering:  The pandemic disrupted our every two-year family reunion.  It was resurrected this year but at the last minute; so, many of us were unable to go.  I, along with my sister and niece, planned a family gathering for several families over a three day weekend to meet in the midwest.  We prayed, ate, and talked.  It was an amazing experience to be physically surrounded by so much love!   

A mini Ruff gathering!

Art Outing: Most people don’t know this about me but I was one class short of an Art History minor in undergraduate school.  So, I made it a point to plan a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see one of my favorite artist, Winslow Homer.  The exhibit was only available for a limited time so it was extra special that we were able to see it while it was still there.  My family enjoyed it too. 

Visiting Connecticut State Parks:  If you follow me at all, you know that I brag on CT State Parks all the time.  They are an amazing refuge; and, while we normally make sure we visit them, this time we were able to do so in the middle of the day.  We particularly loved one that is considered a state forest called TopSmead State Forest.  It’s a beautiful site.

My purpose was to take back some time from my days and invest in myself.  So, the list of adventures, activities and fun listed above are just some of the ways I spent my extra time these past weeks.  My question to you is, what have YOU done for YOU lately?

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants LLC. Sonya is a Business & Marketing Consultant; Content Creator & Connection-Maker; Thought Leader & Industry Expert and Book Author & Entrepreneur. Areas of expertise include: Retail, Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Human Resources. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 30 years . Please feel free to contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  Interested in Sonya’s books?  They can be found on Amazon.

How do you feel about your birthday?

Jarvis Creek Park - Hilton Head Island, April 2022

Today is my birthday! I love my birthday! As a child I loved my birthday, as a young adult I loved my birthday; and, as middle aged woman I love my birthday!

Happy Birthday to me!

Being faced with a life-threatening diagnosis in my 30’s helped me to face each adult birthday with an even bigger smile on my face. I am just grateful for each year on this earth. I do not take it for granted.

I’m grateful:

• For God; always lighting the way for me and showing me His favor.

• For my parents; who brought me into this world but are long gone from this life. May they RIP side-by-side as forever partners.

• For my husband; who still makes me feel special and just GETS me.

• For my daughter; who keeps me on my toes, makes sure that I am reflecting Christ in my daily life and loves me as Mommy.

• For my family; (siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews); it’s awesome that they just love on me and are so happy whenever they see me.

• For my deal life-long friends; I have chosen them to be part of my family and they have chosen me to be part of their family too.

• For my network; thank you for staying connected and sharing your life journey with me.

• For life; being able to walk among humanity each and every day and being mindful of the blessings I am experiencing.  I am thankful and grateful for this special gift of life.

Birthday Celebration flowers delivered yesterday from one of my amazing Aunties!

I’m not sure how you feel about your birthday but I am forever thankful for each and every day that I wake up and participate in this glorious life; and, I am super grateful on my special day called my birthday.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 Whether you already have had your birthday this year; or, it’s in the future or it’s today –

 Happy Birthday to you too!

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants LLC. Sonya is a Business & Marketing Consultant; Content Creator & Connection-Maker; Thought Leader & Industry Expert and Book Author & Entrepreneur. Areas of expertise include: Retail, Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Human Resources. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 30 years . Please feel free to contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  Interested in Sonya’s books?  They can be found on Amazon.

Guest Blogger, William I. Brazley Jr. Functioning Through Adversity

Are you having a problem staying focused at work? Do you snap at family members for small, insignificant reasons? While driving, have you recently missed a turn, or almost had an accident because you were mentally preoccupied? If so, you’re probably trying to cope with some form of adversity in your life. Adversity is defined as “adverse or unfavorable fortune, or fate; a condition marked by misfortune; calamity or distress; an adverse or unfavorable event or circumstance.”  

William I. Brazley Jr.

All of us know someone who has gone through some form of adversity. All of us have been through some form of adversity, whether it was an illness, a death in the family, a troubled marriage, financial difficulties, a school bully, family issues, job pressures, concerns about our children, a broken vehicle, much needed house repairs or a number of other things. It’s ironic that we spend our entire lives trying to avoid adversity, but mental health professionals will tell you that avoiding it completely is practically impossible. In that case, shouldn’t we spend as much time preparing for adversity as we spend trying to avoid it?  

How do we prepare for, or successfully function during times of adversity? We practice resilience. Resilience is the anecdote for adversity. Resilience is defined as “the capacity or ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” Resilience is not an inherited trait. It’s learned behavior, thoughts and action. That means you can learn to successfully function through adversity. 

The first step is to take it one day at a time. Trying to look at the big picture, or playing the “what if” game, can be overwhelming. Dealing with grief, suffering or a difficult issue can put you on an emotional rollercoaster. That’s a ride you should avoid. Don’t look farther than today. Make it through today and then count it as a success. Each day will become an additional success, which will build up over time and your issue won’t seem as overwhelming.  

Avoid thinking of a crisis as an insurmountable problem. You can’t stop stressful events from happening, but you can control how you interpret and respond to them. Focus on the things you have control over and keep things in perspective. Avoid blowing the issue out of proportion. Having a good support group of family and friends is important. Accepting help and encouragement from those who care about you strengthens your resilience.  

Two things that are very important and help to strengthen your resilience is keeping a positive, hopeful outlook and taking care of yourself. Concentrate on what you want instead of worrying about what might happen. Stay optimistic and don’t neglect your own needs and feelings. Eat right, exercise and do things that you enjoy and find relaxing. Meditation is good for destressing and calming your mind.

Research has shown that resilience is more of an ordinary trait than an extraordinary one. We see it all the time after catastrophic events. Somehow the survivors rebuild their lives and become stronger in spite of what has happened. They are being resilient. Being resilient doesn’t mean that you don’t go through some adversities. It’s the ability to bounce back.   

Advice that I am sure you have heard before is to forgive others who may have hurt you, but above all else forgive yourself. This can be freeing and empowering. Self-confidence is also very important. Believe in your own abilities and trust your instincts. Stay positive and remember that nothing lasts forever.

 Sources:Dictionary.com, How to Maintain your Self-Confidence During Times of Adversity By Thea Easterby; The Road To Resilience By The American Psychological Association; How to Deal With Adversity at Work By Karen Burns

William I. Brazley Jr. was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Business Management. William has spent most of his career in Human Resources (HR), having earned a national certification soon after completing HR Management courses at Bellarmine University. He has over thirty years of service at a local government agency, and recently retired as their HR Director. He attends First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown, and he loves his church family. As a child, a good movie was not only William’s source of entertainment; it was his escape from reality. He went to the theatre at every opportunity where he discovered that he loved a good story. But there came a time when those good stories and good movies seemed far and few between. As a self-proclaimed movie critic, he decided to write his own stories. William writes mainly fiction, laced with reality and humor. He has come a long way from college papers filled with red marks, and a professor who told him that he was borderline illiterate. To this day, William rarely uses a red pen, and he believes that spelling and grammar check have increased his intelligence. William is the author of two books published by Enhanced DNA Publishing, "Beware the POTUS" and "The Messiah's Servant", both available on Amazon.

When's your favorite time of the year?

This is my favorite time of the year!

Fat Tuesday kicks off with excitement for the next 40 days.  It is also the beginning of my challenge.  Can I adhere to the promises I have made? Well, I made it this Lenten season! 

• No meat on Fridays (I have to confess, I usually forget at least one Friday but I didn’t!).

• An intentional effort to be especially kind when the situation is extremely frustrating.

• Morning meditataion of two companion books with daily scripture readings the last 40 days.

Lenten season is always a humbling experience. This one has not disappointed me. I welcome it each year; I can re-set.

This past Palm Sunday, I was reminded that Easter is coming; and, so is the good weather! The season is yet another reason that I love this time of the year. I believe we all feel renewed with sunshine, warm weather, the flowers blooming and grass turning green. 

Most importantly, for me on this Maundy Thursday, I look forward to Sunday.  I recognize that we have to first endure Good Friday.  But, I look to Easter and I am thankful that Sunday we can celebrate and proclaim that “HE is Risen”, HE is Risen Indeed”.

Credit Image: Jarvis Consultants, Ogunquit, Maine

Happy Easter and wishing you and yours warm days full of sunshine! 

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants LLC. Sonya is a Business & Marketing Consultant; Content Creator & Connection-Maker; Thought Leader & Industry Expert and Book Author & Entrepreneur. Areas of expertise include: Retail, Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Human Resources. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 30 years . Please feel free to contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  Interested in Sonya’s books?  They can be found on Amazon.

“There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." Madeleine Albright

This month, throughout March, we celebrate women in history. We celebrate those females who have made a history-making difference; and/or have made a major contribution to making our way of life better.  Women have always made a difference in the lives of their families and communities; but, weren’t given the same civil rights and liberties as men.  Women have been fighting for rights since our country was established.  So, as we celebrate women this month, I hope we do it knowing that most of them accomplished so much with so little – no support, no education, no equal rights and the list goes on.

 As I think about past Marches, I started wondering exactly when did we, as a nation, start recognizing Women in History, specifically in March?

 Well, are you glad I asked the question?

Originally, the United States started recognizing Women’s History for the week of March 7, 1987; thereafter, in 1995 the government has recognized March as women’s history month. I had the opportunity, pre-Covid, to have a book signing event at the Indianapolis Propylaeum which was the headquarters for women’s suffrage in the 1920s. I was wondering why women’s history is relegated to just one month; but, hey baby, we have made progress from just one week to an entire month!

September 2019: I am at the Indinapolis Propylaeum for my second booking signing event!

All sarcasm aside, thankfully there is recognition for all of the women who have famously contributed to our country’s growth and progress, making it the best country ever!  But, as I think of the women I want to celebrate., I think of the women who I have used as role models like my Grandmother, my Mother, my Aunties (I was blessed to have 12 and that’s not counting the in-laws); my Sister and those that weren’t my blood but undoubtedly loved me and influenced me over the years like my dear Mother-in-Law and a woman that was just like my Grandmother.

September 2019: My sister, Sabrina and I at the Indianapolis Propylaeum.

It’s easy to be honest here, because I have so many wonderful nieces that have come after me who I admire!  I know that they contribute to their families, their communities and out country; and I am so proud of the history and legacy they are producing.  While I truly respect and am thankful for the women that made history in science, technology, sports, the arts and more; my heart tells me to celebrate those that aren’t in the history books but have made history in so many of our lives.

My heart is full, not only, for the month of March, but for each and every day that I celebrate the women making history in my life, in our communities and in so many different disciplines, inventions and areas.  To each and every one of them, I say thank you for your contributions; and know that you are celebrated each day but that the month of March is a special 31 days set aside to recognize your awesomeness!

Image Credit: U.S. Embassy in Slovakia - Madeleine Albright, first female Secretary of State.

This blog was being written while I received an alert that Madeleine Albright died.  Her books and political thinking influenced me during my young adult years, and I will be forever grateful for her calm, respectful and to-the-point demeanor.  May she rest in peace as we celebrate that she left this world brighter with her democracy-forward approach.

To all women, celebrating each other – those before us and those after us –

Cheers to Women’s History Month 2022!

 
Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants LLC, is a Business & Marketing Consultant; Content Creator & Connection-Maker; Thought Leader & Industry Expert and Book Author & Entrepreneur. Areas of expertise include: Retail, Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Human Resources. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 30 years . Please feel free to contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  Interested in Sonya’s books?  They can be found on Amazon.

Expert Advice of the Month: Mental health in the workplace Part 2: Develop company benefits that address well-being by Sonya Ruff Jarvis

Published: February 23, 2022 by Hardlines HR Newsleter

Sonya experiencing CALM in Rockport, MA - Summer 2021

Last month, I wrote about dealing with mental health in the workplace while maintaining profits. It was a chance to address the declining mental health of employees accelerated by the pandemic, with ideas to help normalize mental health issues and demonstrate flexibility and empathy toward employees. This time, we focus on one real tactical suggestion to help companies consider designing benefits that improve employees’ mental health.

Leaders of any type of organization need to be fully involved to defuse the stigma of talking about mental health. Their action has to be purposeful to truly open the lines of communication throughout the organization. It doesn’t help that, in today’s world, companies unintentionally add pressure by expecting employees to be constantly connected.

This is particularly true now when many employees are working remotely. In addition, retail workers are considered to be the employee group suffering the most from mental health issues since the pandemic. According to a report by Retail Trust, 84 percent of retail workers said their mental health declined during the pandemic.

One suggestion is to create a mental health care program that supports the needs of the individual and helps them feel financially secure. How do you get started? Let’s focus on one benefit that is perhaps the easiest to roll out—plus, it’s measurable. Companies have long recognized that engagement around community charities can help build a team feeling while paying for gym memberships can create healthier employees. Both of these benefits result in less absenteeism and more productivity. It’s a win-win.

Now, let’s take that same philosophy and apply it to introducing well-being benefits like calmness and mindfulness. There are a number of larger corporations in the news already applying these types of tactics throughout their organizations. The easiest way to do this is through software applications. Some of the most popular apps include CALM and Headspace for Work. Corporations are seeking their support and rolling out programs to help employees sleep better, manage anxiety, and develop mindfulness.

Most people already use apps. It’s an individual approach that maintains the employees’ privacy. This offers one tactic on how to start creating a mental health care program that supports employees. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants LLC, a marketing firm providing connections, content and executive coaching. Areas of expertise include: Retail, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Mental Health well-being. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 30 years . Please feel free to contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  Interested in Sonya’s books?  They can be found on Amazon.

Expert Advice of the Month: Dealing with mental health in the workplace while maintaining your profits

Photo taken at Kimpton Nine Zero Boston, Summer 2021

Published: January 26, 2022 by Hardlines HR Advisor Newsletter

The acceleration of mental health issues has forced society to take notice. Now, more than ever, well-being is tied to mental fitness. Prior to the pandemic, very few admitted their mental health issues. Since, many struggling with this disease have spoken out to elevate the conversation. Finally, mental health is starting to be addressed in the workplace.

It’s obvious that the pandemic pushed this topic into the spotlight. Most employees are comfortable discussing physical ailments like allergies, diabetes, cancer diagnoses, and COVID-19 positive results. Yet, many feel judged when sharing a mental illness diagnosis.

A recent article in the Harvard Business Review states that at least 68 percent of millennials (up from 50 percent in 2019) and 81 percent of Gen Zers (up from 75 percent) have left roles for mental health reasons. Mental health challenges permeate organizations affecting C-level roles too.

Regardless of size, many companies can show flexibility and empathy towards employees struggling with mental illness symptoms—without sacrificing profits. Company profits can be maintained by acting on this shift in the workplace. Those profits diminish with low productivity, poor quality of work, job dissatisfaction, and low loyalty, which can all result in critical negative profit measurements such as high absenteeism and turnover.

What can companies do to help employees succeed in managing mental wellness without giving up profits? Ultimately, employees need to feel recognized, supported, and accepted. A mental health diagnosis should not be a stigma. It should be treated like any other illness.

Incorporating a mental health care program into your company’s value system with benefits spelled out would be a start. Yet, it is more than just providing mental health funding. It is an emotional investment too. Employees need to be encouraged, at every level, to talk about the subject to help remove the shame.

Here are some suggestions to help normalize mental health issues and show employees flexibility and empathy:

• Create a mental health care program that supports the needs of the individual and helps them feel financially secure.

• Encourage employees to talk about mental health and create a safe space. Consider developing peer groups.

• Make regular check-ins on mental health status just like with job performance reviews.

• Train from the top down.

• Establish supervisor support at every level.

• For burnout, stress, or long hours, try introducing mindfulness groups or yoga sessions on-site that can help to offer relief.

• Paid time off should include mental health days.

It remains to be seen whether the pandemic has helped to normalize mental health struggles in the workplace. Companies showing flexibility and empathy towards their employees’ mental health will be the brands that will maintain—and gain—profits by creating a culture of support and acceptance.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants LLC, a consulting firm providing connections, content and executive coaching. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry, working across all types of categories, for more than 30 year. She is an author and her books can be found at amazon.com. You can contact her at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com or for more information go to www.jarvisconsultants.com.

How are you delighting your customer?

It is always interesting to me when asked, “What makes your brand experience different”? Companies both large and small always respond, “Our customer service”. Many companies claim great customer service, but few actually deliver.  My family and I were recently delighted by the customer experience we received staying at the Vanderbilt Hotel in Newport Rhode Island, an Auberge Collection.  They exemplified excellence in customer service and our customer experience. 

Cozy areas are located through-out the Vanderbilt Hotel - image credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

 What made the experience at the Vanderbilt Hotel exceptional?

• I researched online; but called the property to make the reservation.  The reservationists (I will reserve her name for privacy); explained all the options and the feel for the property. We love Newport and had stayed in the town several times but never at this property. I booked one of their suites.  She thanked me and waived the resort fee, explaining that since I called the hotel directly, I was eligible for this discount. 

RESULT:  The time patiently spent on the phone and waiving the resort fee, made me feel like a valued (loyal) customer although I had never stayed at this property.

• I immediately received an email from the Concierge saying that they were looking forward to our visit and if there was anything they could do for us; please do not hesitate to reach out.

RESULT: The follow-up showed me they were serious and wanted to make sure our experience was positive.

• We arrived earlier than expected, walked up to check-in and before I could introduce myself; the front desk person welcomed me to the Vanderbilt hotel by name.

RESULT: They made us feel famous – knew us before the introduction. 

• While waiting for check-in; the front desk person (not the one waiting on us) saw that my daughter was dressed in NBA/college basketball apparel.  She then told us (name and directions on how to get there) about a local store that specializes in basketball items; and, she thought we might enjoy visiting.

RESULT:  They noticed and cared about something that my daughter valued; and, took an extra step to make a meaningful suggestion to enhance our experience.

• Waiting for us in our suite was a handwritten welcome note, a fresh flower centerpiece, a bottle of wine; three local bottled sodas and sparkling water.

RESULT:  They WOWED us with these amenities!

• At check-out, I shared that the hotel property is a lovely place and our suite was absolutely beautiful but the heating system was loud and interrupted our sleep.  The check-out person explained that the hotel was preparing to shut down for the entire month of January where they will remodel which will include the heating/cooling systems that will be replaced.  She apologized for the disturbance and complimented an expensive dinner we had at their onsite restaurant during our stay.

RESULT:  We are coming back to this property; and, it is now our property of choice when we plan to stay in Newport, Rhode Island.

In reality, it is difficult to deliver consistent and uninterrupted customer service; but, every single person we encountered at this property extended themselves to us. Delighting their customer is ingrained in how they approach hotel guests and do their jobs.  Yes, it is difficult to deliver consistent and uninterrupted delightful customer experiences; yet, it is possible. 

What are you doing to back up your great customer service claims?  More importantly, how are you measuring them?

 Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, a marketing, events and branding firm that helps businesses create innovative approaches to navigate the world of marketing. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 25 years and is the founder of the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also a book author and her books can be found on AMAZON.

Do you follow your instincts?

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC - photo of art at the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel, Boston, MA

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “Instinct” as ‘a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity’.  We all have instincts. When something comes up and you have that inherent aptitude telling you to do something, do you follow it? Or, do you talk yourself out of it?

Many of us have been in situations where rationally and intellectually, it makes sense to do “A”, but instinctively something is pulling us to do “B”. It’s a gut feeling; not rational, not intellectual but an emotional feeling gnawing at you.  For me, it hits me in my stomach, I can feel it; it’s a visceral reaction.  I have always had, as I put it God-given discernment (and I’m not bragging), but I can inherently feel out a situation.  Of course, nothing is perfect, but I learned through mistakes.  Particularly, early on in my life, I didn’t listen to that feeling much.  I wasn’t mature enough to be in tune with my body; and, literally feeling something in the pit of my stomach didn’t sway me to do the opposite of what I had decided.  I evaluated my response of intellectual versus instincts. If I could do a mulligan I would go with my instinct every time. I know, it doesn’t make sense, but my instincts are usually dead-on regardless of what rational arguments and information are presented.

A recent article in Forbes captured the story of Sara Blakely, the creator and founder of SPANX, where it described how her intuition led her to growing and then ultimately selling the majority shares in her billion dollar enterprise. Forbes specifically states that: “Nearly a decade later, Blakely credits her strong sense of intuition for the timing of the sale to Blackstone”. “I have run this business, I've run my life, very, very connected to intuition, which we all have. It's an inner knowing,” she told Moira Forbes. “I just always said, I'll just know, I'll know when it's the right time for the business. I'll know when it's the right time for me.” 

I’m married to an attorney, and he likes facts. Do not get me wrong, facts are important in making decisions; I’m a marketer and data points, analysis and facts are important, but they don’t always tell the full story.  Over the years, I have often used that same line that Sara Blakely was quoted in the Forbes article, on my husband when we are making decisions – I just know – the facts aren’t saying it – the reasoning isn’t saying it and neither is the intelligence; but, there is something just deep down within me urging me on to choose the opposite of what the facts, reasoning and intelligence are telling us. 

As we approach and welcome in a new year, embrace your intuition into your decision-making process; whether it’s a big decision or a small one; a personal decision or a business decision; perhaps follow that inner voice of your gut feeling and see where it leads you. 

Cheers to a Happy New Year!

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, a marketing, events and branding firm that helps businesses create innovative approaches to navigate the world of marketing. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 25 years and is the founder of the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also a book author and her books can be found on AMAZON.

Do you really need another (ugly) sweater for a Holiday gift?

There are headlines warning us that there are supply chain issues (like we haven’t lived it these past two years). Interestingly enough, the current alerts are all related to holiday shopping. The media and business articles are all warning us that we should start our holiday shopping super early this year; especially, if we want to purchase/give specific gifts.  Here’s an article from the NY Times advising consumers how to make sure the supply chain issue doesn’t ruin our holiday shopping.

I say, “Bah Hum Bug”! Do you really need another (ugly) sweater for a Holiday gift?

I am more worried about essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, coffee filters and laundry detergent.

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC n (from 2020)

I recently went to Costco and they had no toilet paper or paper towels. I then went to my local chain grocer; and, they only had off-brand toilet paper and paper towels.

Here we go again. Crap! Literally! Now we have to run to every store to try and find Charmin.

The Pandemic lock-down taught us that we really don’t need the things we thought we needed.  At the height of the pandemic we were happy and filled with gratitude to get bare essentials. During the beginning of the pandemic if I could find a full-sized paper towel roll that would make my day.   Shoot, that find would make my week. I feel like we are forgetting what is important. This holiday season is not about shopping for gifts early because of the supply chain issues. Let’s take a moment and remember where we were last year this time.

A very thoughtful person recently shared this quote with me and I would like to share it with you.

 “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~Melody Beattie

Give gratitude for the present time because it could be worse.  Currently, the season is all about the joy of being able to gather again, in-person, with our family and friends. It is truly a blessing.  My suggestion, shop early for essentials; skip the (ugly) sweater purchase and embrace gratitude.

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

 May you and your family have a wonderful in-person gathering this year!

Cheers to a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Sonya Ruff Jarvis, a life-long marketer, has been a corporate executive, bible study teacher, organizer of events with tens of thousands attendees and now a successful small business owner. And through all of this, Sonya has run the New York City Marathon, survived breast cancer and created an innovative business-to-business customer relationship model. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their daughter and their Havanese dog, Sadie, who completes their family.  Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also an author and her books can be found on AMAZON.

What are your politics?

Sonya Ruff Jarvis LinkedIn post, November 2020

What are your politics? Please do not answer. This is a rhetorical question. Although I must say, I am seeing more and more LinkedIn posts throwing shade, in all kinds of directions, at every party.

My mother would always say, “If you do not have anything good to say, do not say it at all”. I am sure you have heard that saying along your journey too. 

I would like to update that saying to: “If you do not have a positive political post, do not post it”. Please, don’t comment that I am trying to censor anyone’s freedom of speech; and, I am not the LinkedIn police.  I am merely stating the obvious.

I am not naive. I have my opinions, too but I share them privately, with friends and family in context; and, also, where I can hear and listen to their responses. I would encourage all those that want to be negative, attacking those who serve our country, to do the same.

I try to post positive, history-making recognition “stuff” or just plain or birthday or anniversary wishes. One of those posts was about the first woman vice president who happens to be part African-American. I thought it was uplifting and not offensive. But, an out of network LinkedIn person replied “make me puke”.  Literally written without any conventional grammar reflected.  My first thought was, “Why would this post make him want to “puke” as he said”? The photo was not gross, the message was not negative, and I certainly did not use inappropriate language.

While this person had less than 10 followers and no photo or vitae, for that matter, attached to his account; my post undoubtedly offended him. He was not in my network but a contact within my network “shared” the post and the “potential puker” received it.  I am not sorry for that, but I am recognizing it because he felt compelled to tell me so. One thing he did not tell me was why the post made him want to puke?

In my eyes, the post applauded and spoke to history for all girls, women, girl-dads and the men in our lives who truly support our ideas, intellect and contribution to this great country of ours.

When I see posts tearing down political figures on either side, it seems so pedestrian considering what the world has endured for the past 18 months with this pandemic. I believe these nasty posts, comments, shares and replies are for shock value. I wonder how many are Bots? How many are truly “real” people trying to sew discord and strife on a professional network site? Who knows? But in any event, it isn’t cool.

 I am an old school business professional where your religion, your income and your politics are just not topics for an “anyone” platform. So, the next time you feel compelled to throw shade at a political party on LinkedIn, I encourage you to think about the following quote in the context of this blog.  

“Stay positive, all other choices are pointless punishments to your psyche.”  ― Joe Peterson, Help Me Live… As I Die, Cancer vs. the Power of Love

Sonya Ruff Jarvis, a life-long marketer, has been a corporate executive, bible study teacher, organizer of events with tens of thousands attendees and now a successful small business owner. And through all of this, Sonya has run the New York City Marathon, survived breast cancer and created an innovative business-to-business customer relationship model. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their daughter and their Havanese dog, Sadie, who completes their family.

It’s Book Launch Day!

One day last January, when we were all still in the midst of the pandemic I had lunch with a dear friend to celebrate her birthday.  No snarly comments please, we sat outside with electric heaters on a cold but sunny day in southern Connecticut.  It was one of the few restaurants that was trying to outlast the virus and stay in business.  They had created an outdoor space with heaters on the ceilings and portable heaters next to the tables which were positioned 6 feet away from each other.

It was nice to see my friend in person; although, no vaccines had happened at that point and we both kept our masks on when we were not eating. Jennifer Formoso, everyone calls her Jenn, approached me with an idea for a book.  It was all about gathering a good number of folks that would be willing to share their blessings they received in spite of the pandemic.  I immediately loved the idea!  I agreed to participate on the spot.  Like most, during the height of the pandemic, both my husband and my businesses had suffered; and, our daughter had been stuck home with remote learning; but, still I knew there were so many blessings God continued to grace me/us with that I wanted to share. 

Well, almost a year later it is book launch day!  I couldn’t be happier for Jennifer Formoso who is the idea behind the book; and, the 18 contributing authors (including myself). 

 Here’s the description of the book.

“In Pandemic Blessings- Stories of Thanksgiving in an Unusual Time, author Jennifer Formoso shares her own personal story of coming to know and trust Jesus, as well as blessings received during the COVID-19 Pandemic, despite the struggles, difficulties, and loss inherent during this period. She answers the following three main questions, and also asks contributors to do the same: 

• How did you come to know Christ?

• What role has Christ played in your life to date?

• What blessings, big or small, did you notice or receive during the challenge of living through such an unusual, unprecedented period in our lifetimes?

Jennifer Formoso and eighteen contributors, in heartfelt and thoughtfully unique stories, provide answers to these questions in this book. Submitted with the love of Christ to lift up His Holy Name, we pray that you as the readers will find peace, comfort, inspiration, and blessings amongst these pages. The book is published by Enhanced DNA Publishing.

Jennifer Formoso, inspiration and presenter behind Pandemic Blessings

This Thanksgiving season, I am so thankful to be among the list of contributing authors sharing their inspiring stories of blessings; and, Christ’s role in their lives.  It is a humbly experience and it warmed my heart to read each story.

If you’re interested in purchasing the book, it is available on Amazon.  Or, if you would like an autographed copy from me, please shop here on my website.  There is a more than 20% savings if you buy it on my website and it includes the cost of taxes and shipping.  I believe you will enjoy each contributing author’s story as much as I did.

My heart is full of gratitude and I remain faithful.  May you and your family be blessed abundantly with love, peace and hope this Thanksgiving season. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sonya Ruff Jarvis, a life-long marketer, has been a corporate executive, bible study teacher, organizer of events with tens of thousands attendees and now a successful small business owner. And through all of this, Sonya has run the New York City Marathon, survived breast cancer and created an innovative business-to-business customer relationship model. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their daughter and their Havanese dog who completes their family.

Her first book, "Mindful Minutes: A Marketer's Journey Through Business", is the debut of a series of books on business, branding and event marketing. Additional information and Sonya’s Blog can be found on www.jarvisconsultants.com.

"Mentoring Moments: 14 Remarkable Women Share Breakthroughs to Success" is an anthology where Sonya shares her story of perseverance and persistence in her chapter, "Propelling Forward Through Perseverance and Persistence".

The NYC Marathon is back live…Celebrating its 50th!

Image Credit: TCS New York City Marathon 50

Last year, like many live events, the New York City Marathon was virtual. It was the first-time in its 50-year history that runners from all over the world did not meet in NYC to run the world renowned 26.2 miles through all 5 boroughs of New York City. This Sunday, the New York City Marathon is back and will celebrate its 50th year!

It has been 20 years since I ran the New York City marathon and I remember almost every mile. Six weeks earlier, the 9/11 event shook the city but New Yorkers and the world were showing resolve and kicking-off the race anyway. While waiting and stretching, my running partner and I went to a prayer tent; and prayed with other runners as we got ready to line-up.

At the starter’s line, I actually looked up and saw the snipers with guns on the Staten Island Bridge.  I heard and saw the helicopters hovering. It dawned on me that, crap, something bad could happen. Thankfully, the race was off and I did not have much time to think about it.  Plus, seeing male runners do the ceremonial act of peeing over the bridge moved my images of darkness to one of humor.

I had been training for the marathon with a running mate who was 10 years my junior. She was fun to talk to and I loved running with her. We were not fast runners. We always ran about a 10-minute mile. We got through Staten Island cut through Brooklyn and stopped for a bathroom break. We ran through a really cute area that I was not aware of. The streets were lined with people, since we started, and it was invigorating! At one point, we were going too fast (for our pace) and knew that we had to slow it down to finish the 26.2 miles.

 One feeling that will always stay with me for all of my days was running off the 59th Street Queensboro Bridge (I think it is now called the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge), coming around the bend to the roar of the crowd. We were in Manhattan/NYC and there was no other borough like it. A dear friend was there with Gatorade for me around East 61st Street and her encouragement and beaming smile said everything! The energy of the crowd propelled me to East 90th street where the crowd weaned again.

The Upper East Side was where I called home and there was something comforting about running through my neighborhood.

Running through Harlem was quiet as was crossing the Third Avenue Bridge. Once I crossed the bridge, I saw the sign that said 10k left and my running partner and I knew we could do that –only 6.2 miles left! We were thankful for the spectators that were still out cheering us on. As we were running 10-minute miles the faster runners had long finished!  The people that lingered to encourage the slowest runners were much appreciated.

In the upper 100s on 5th Avenue there was another dear friend waiting for me. Pushing me on and telling me that I looked great! I was elated because I felt good too.

Running down 5th Avenue, I entered Central Park at East 90th street. Now I was truly home, I trained in the New York City’s Central Park (and I knew every curve and historical sight).  My future husband was there waiting for me, cheering me on, and clicking photos. The crowd was deep and their cheers willed my legs to move a little faster and there it was the finish line was in sight.

I crossed it and I was elated. I just completed the NYC Marathon - 2001. It was not fast, but I did it. After fighting cancer the previous year, enduring the tragedy of 9/11 six weeks prior to the marathon, the completion was the culmination of two of the hardest fights I would have in my life. Now that we see that the pandemic will most likely not leave us soon, it is the NYC Marathon that will be the spirit in helping us fight another big battle.

Welcome back, NYC Marathon and Happy 50th Birthday! 

Sonya Ruff Jarvis, a life-long marketer, has been a corporate executive, bible study teacher, organizer of events with tens of thousands attendees and now a successful small business owner. And through all of this, Sonya has run the New York City Marathon, survived breast cancer and created an innovative business-to-business customer relationship model. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their daughter and their Havanese dog, Sadie, who completes their family.

Healthy and Blindsided...

In 2000, I was blindsided with a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis. I never in a million years worried about breast cancer. I had always been active.  I was one of those people that actually went to the gym 3-4 times a week.  I ran. Heck, sometimes I would run in New York City’s Central Park in the morning and take a cardio class after work. Yes, I enjoyed two-a-days. Working out made me feel good. Plus, I had stopped eating steak and pork in 1997. From a health standpoint, I thought I was doing everything right.  

Wrong. 

Most of the time no matter what you do, crap just might happen.  Rest assured you will never be ready for bad news.  When bad things happen it always blindsides its victims. I guess I never even thought about getting breast cancer. I did not think I was a candidate for it. I supported and empathized with women who were battling the disease; but I never considered that I would get breast cancer; especially, at such a young age.

Breast cancer did not run in my family. I falsely believed that since it did not run in my family, I would not get it. 

 Fact:   American Cancer Society says 85% of women diagnosed have no family history. 

I was so blindsided that I was searching for a reason that I got it; so, I had the gene testing. 

 Fact:   Breastcancer.org says that about 5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to known gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common.

 I was negative for BRACA1 and BRACA2 gene mutation.  Okay, that was not it!

When I was diagnosed, I was younger than the recommended age to get your first baseline mammogram   The current recommended age for a mammogram is 40 years old. I was younger than that when I was diagnosed. 

 Fact:   Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 5% of women with breast cancer are diagnosed before the age of 40.

My doctors recommended a lumpectomy. I was apprehensive and considered a mastectomy. They told me that it was not necessary. I followed their recommendation. It took me a good year to feel comfortable about my decision. A friend helped me. She said she was grateful that she had a lumpectomy. I thought that is a good way to be … grateful. 

The cancer diagnosis I received in 2000, blindsided me.  It can happen to anyone. Do your manual exams each month; and, not only schedule your annual mammogram – follow through on the appointment!  If you have dense breast tissue, get an ultrasound too. Do not be afraid. Please take active care of your breasts. Early detection matters. 

Sonya Ruff Jarvis, a life-long marketer, has been a corporate executive, bible study teacher, organizer of events with tens of thousands attendees and now a successful small business owner. And through all of this, Sonya has run the New York City Marathon, survived breast cancer and created an innovative business-to-business customer relationship model. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their daughter and their Havanese dog, Sadie, who completes their family.

I was running for me ...

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  Proverbs 16:9

This is hard for me to share my story, my journey with you.

I have a voice and I am confident in my voice but sharing this journey is different.

I am not eager to divulge detailed personal experiences with people who I do not know; sometimes, it is even hard to do it with people I know.

Yes, over the past twenty years I have shared my story with support groups, one-on-one with friends, family and neighbors but never in this forum.  I am a private person when it comes to having a voice about an experience that is so dearly intimate to me.

There have been five recent incidences over the past 12 months that have compelled me to write a book, now after 20 years, about my breast cancer encounter.

Here are the 5 things that happened.

1.      I found an old journal from 20 years ago that chronicles the period in my life I was fighting breast cancer.

2.      I celebrated my story by blogging about it in three different posts during breast cancer month of October 2020.

3.      In January 2020, I celebrated 20 years since a breast cancer diagnosis.

4.      A fierce woman I called my friend died of breast cancer in March at age 46.

5.      I saw my oncologist for my annual visit in June of 2021 and he greeted me with a huge smile; and, announced that that very same week 20 years ago I completed my final and sixth round of chemotherapy.  He gave me a huge hug.

The only way I can do this is to put God first and to have HIM the focus of this book.  I humbly submit this journey I share with you as a testimony to my up-close and personal Reflections of God’s Grace: My Personal Encounter with Breast Cancer.  

At this point in my journey, I am only sharing my story with the desire to give others hope who have been blind-sided with a breast cancer diagnosis; and, to encourage friends, families and neighbors that there is hope.

Hope that you will get through this season of your life.

Hope that you can fight through the fire with faith.

Hope that you have a future waiting for you.

For me, hope began one day at a time.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago.

It has always been difficult to say that I am a breast cancer survivor.I fumble over the word and it always comes out like a whisper.I feel that it is difficult because it continually reminds me of the women I know that did not survive.You will not hear that term a lot as I share my journey; but, long before I was a breast cancer patient and then a survivor; breast cancer was personal to me.  My sister’s best friend, Laurel, was the first person I ever personally knew that was diagnosed with breast cancer. Laurel died six years after her breast cancer diagnosis. She left two young children behind, it was a tragedy.  A tragedy that happens every single day.

I always share how I ran in the annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5k races in New York City’s Central Park when I belonged to the NYRR Club.  By running, I celebrated, Laurel, and all who were affected by breast cancer.  I ran in those races for years for women, men, and their families that I did not even know facing a fierce disease.

Ultimately, years later I realized I was running for me.  Celebrating my life.  Getting ready to fight the breast cancer diagnosis that was coming my way trying to STOP my life journey here on earth.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, a marketing, events and branding firm that helps businesses create innovative approaches to navigate the world of marketing. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 25 years and is the founder of the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also an author and her books can be found on AMAZON.

When was the last time you were kind to a stranger?

Image Credit: www.futurestarsacademy.com

As we remember 9/11, twenty years later, I am old enough to remember every detail about that day.

Where I was and what I saw. I was standing on 57th street and looked down 5th Avenue in New York City and saw smoke coming from downtown, filling up the air.

I also remember how America and our friends from around the world felt. We felt as one.

We mourned for every life lost.

We showed compassion for those that survived and we were determined and resolved to stand as one nation undivided. We emerged out of that historical tragedy as a country - kinder, gentler and more empathetic for our family, friends, neighbors and community.

As we have never forgotten those lost that sunny September day; for those of us who lived through it, we will never forget the love we showed each other; and, how we all realized, we have more that brings us together than separates us. 9/11 brought us together.

As we walk slowly through another historical tragedy, the COVID 19 pandemic, it has done nothing but tear us apart.

We will all remember the nightmare of the shutdown; the blame, the fear; and the loss of lives, the loss of jobs and the loss of living as we knew it. We are getting back to school, business and our lives but hate has emerged; and, there is division in our country.

We are meaner.

We are ruder.

We are less understanding.

While we cannot blame everything on the pandemic.  In my opinion, it is driving a large part of negative feelings that presents itself as anger, fear and hate.

There are families broken, friendships lost and neighbors on the other side of the fence. People are arguing about masks and vaccines, not willing to just agree to disagree and to respect the other.

I am no PollyAnna but we have to get back to treating strangers, service people, neighbors, family and friends with kindness, compassion and empathy.

My daughter was tasked by her school to read The Kindness Formula:  Caring + Character = Success by Jim Olayos. Everyone should read this book.  Its theme is kindness and how he has lived a life with kindness as his compass; teaching his children the same.  Let’s all come together and force this pandemic to bring us together to treat one another:

Image Credit: the kindness formula facebook

Nicer.

More courteous.

With more empathy.

We’ll never forget this time but consider making the feeling that you felt when you remember this period; a good one towards your family, friends, neighbors and strangers.  Please be kind.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, a marketing, events and branding firm that helps businesses create innovative approaches to navigate the world of marketing. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 25 years and is the founder of the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also an author and her books can be found on AMAZON.

Are you on your “back-to-school” schedule, yet?

Photo Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

Are you on your “back-to-school” schedule, yet?  Or, is it just me that does that?

The challenges during the pandemic have taught me many things, but the one important lesson l have learned is that I need a schedule. The back-to-school season has, in my life, marked returning to a schedule, getting serious and back to business. No more dog days of summer or half-day Fridays. Since dealing with the pandemic, nothing more can be truer in ushering in this season. I believe we are all conditioned as children that September brings an emotional feeling of getting “back” to it with a sense of urgency and a full commitment to doing better and being better.

My teenage daughter started back to school this week, full time and in-person, after experiencing remote learning for most of the past year and a half. She was looking forward to getting back in the classroom, participating in sports and school activities. Most importantly, she was looking forward to getting “back” to socializing, camaraderie and meeting new kids.

While she was looking forward to it, we were too.  My husband and I are excited for a schedule of focused and uninterrupted work time since both of us work from home. There I said it. It sounds selfish but we adults need a schedule too. If you are anything like me, a schedule serves to help stay organized, be focused, proactive and productive. It works for me and my family.

 “If you want something done, ask a busy person.”  Benjamin Franklin

This year my daughter entered high school.  I think about how busy she will be. I mean super busy, between classes, practices, games and let’s not forget the social life of a teenager. So, my motherly advice to her is take advantage of any “scheduled” free time like study hall and the gap between the end of school day and practice. If she adheres to her schedule it will force her be organized with school work, focused on what needs to be done, proactive in consistently staying up on assessment tasks; and, ultimately productive in her life academically, athletically, and socially. 

During these trying times, it is a welcome opportunity to reset as school begins and get “back-on” a schedule.  Cheers to a full commitment to doing better and being better.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, a marketing, events and branding firm that helps businesses create innovative approaches to navigate the world of marketing. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 25 years and is the founder of the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also a book author and her books can be found on AMAZON.

What brand makes you feel nostalgic?

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

I was recently in New York City and as I walked from an appointment, I looked up and saw a Fresh Direct delivery truck.  I was immediately flooded with memories of living in the City, ordering fresh grocery items and having it delivered back in the early 2000’s.  I started thinking about that period of my life and was interested enough that I googled Fresh Direct; and found out that they were established in 2002.  As I think about our current times, I realize that Fresh Direct was an early pioneer of fresh grocery delivery.  If you have not lived in and/or worked in New York City you probably have not heard of Fresh Direct.  I was a customer of Fresh Direct for several years (2002 – 2005) and at that time, they primarily delivered in New York City.  They now deliver to Philadelphia, Washington DC and even make seasonal deliveries to eastern Long Island, New York and the New Jersey Shore.

I remember that the Fresh Direct deliveries always made me feel good.

When I received my Fresh Direct deliveries, I felt like they were special.  I always felt like my groceries were hand-picked.  The products and produce were packaged like they cost a million bucks in a clean Fresh Direct box.  The produce was almost always too gorgeous to eat without any blemishes on them.  The food tasted as good as it looked! 

Yes, I remember that Fresh Direct did online grocery delivery “right”. They sourced products and packaged them up in their facility in the Bronx, New York.  From there, deliveries were loaded onto a truck and delivered to customers during the time period selected.  Compare that to our current timeframe:  Now many companies are providing home-delivery out of necessity, because of the pandemic.  But Fresh Direct was doing it back in the day, almost 20 years ago.  Talk about being a pioneer! The Fresh Direct brand is a pioneer; not just because of the online retail business they established, but because of the quality products and service the brand delivered/delivers.  I guess you could call me a pioneer too – as an early adopter of online grocery shopping and delivery.

Fast forward, I moved to Connecticut and thought I would try a regional grocery store’s online grocery delivery service that I had seen advertised.  The City had spoiled me and I did not really enjoy physically going grocery shopping.  I felt like customers knew where everything was and in their rush to get to their favorites, I literally got run over by a number of angry grocery shoppers with their carts (picture cart wars :)).  I had such a good experience in the City, with online grocery delivery, why not try it here?  It was convenient and saved me time.  This was in 2007 and it didn’t seem like many friends or neighbors in my area used online grocery delivery.  After my first online grocery delivery, I experienced a possibility for why.

• I did not feel like I was receiving a special delivery.

• I felt like I was receiving groceries in a plastic bag with blemished produce and all.

• I felt like the delivery people were rushed and my grocery bags were one of many in a dirty delivery truck.

The pandemic forced grocery shoppers to use more online delivery services.Supermarket News cites that the “growth represented a 43% jump in online grocery sales at the one-year mark of covid-19 pandemic.”I too, was one of the shoppers forced to do online grocery shopping due to the global pandemic; and, come to think of it – not one experience made me feel like the Fresh Direct brand made me feel when I had received their deliveries in the past. 

Fresh Direct delivered the optimal branding experience.

Branding is an emotional connection you have with that service/product.  The nostalgia I felt recently from seeing the Fresh Direct Brand is the branding strategy and implementation that I strive to deliver to my customers.  Close your eyes and think about a brand that brings that special feeling to you. Now, take a moment and enjoy that memory.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, a marketing, events and branding firm that helps businesses create innovative approaches to navigate the world of marketing. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 25 years and is the founder of the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also a book author and her books can be found on AMAZON.

July: Celebrating Independent Retailers!

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

Did you know that July is the month where we celebrate and applaud Independent Retailers?  If you have been following me, you know that independent retailers are near and dear to my heart.  They truly are the cornerstone of our communities; these local businesses are often composed of families for generations that are committed to the town, its people and its services. 

My family went up to the Catskills this past July 4th weekend for the holiday; and, the number of independent retailers that anchor that town is admirable.  From the local coffee shop (no Starbucks in town and while I like Starbucks, I loved the locally owned coffee shop).  Our coffees were made without the hustle and bustle.  The owner paid close attention to all of the details; and then down the road of course is the Woodstock, New York local hardware store; not to mention the cupcake shop which was voted “best cake” by the FoodTV network.

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

It goes without saying that independent retailers give to our communities and drive our economic prosperity.  The Census Bureau and Small Business Administration claim that independent retailers employ 51% of the US workforce.  That is truly substantial.

When you go beyond the economic contributions; you can surely look at the social contributions too.  While I do not know the number, rest assured I am confident that independent retailers probably contribute a much higher number than the 51% to local community programs and sports teams.    In addition, the Independent We Stand organization reported that for every $100.00 you spend at a local independent retailer $68.00 stays right there in that community versus $43.00 that you would spend with a big box chain store!  Your money goes back to work in your community; you can’t beat that!  Here is a list of what happens when you shop local from Independent We Stand.

My town is missing an independent hardware retailer.  I previously wrote an entire blog about it; and, while we have an independent paint retailer and a big box, I do feel like a hardware store would thrive in my area.  Luckily, someone noticed and we recently had an Aubuchon Hardware open a store in nearby Monroe, Connecticut.  It is nice to have a true independent, family-owned hardware store to shop nearby. 

Another area that independent retailers thrive and local citizens’ count on them include specialty retailers like bakeries, gift shops and nurseries.  I am so thankful of the region we live in because there are so many independent farmers too.  They sell fresh homemade baked goods, ice cream, hand-picked strawberries, pumpkins and Christmas trees.  All of these independents are mostly family-owned businesses who know that the shoppers are their family, friends and neighbors and it is a great shopping experience to be treated as such.

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

Image Credit: Jarvis Consultants, LLC

So, as we celebrate and recognized independent retailers in this month of July and every July – please celebrate them all year-long by shopping their stores, getting to know them and investing in them because they are our family, friends and neighbors.

Sonya Ruff Jarvis is an entrepreneur and founder of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, a marketing, events and branding firm that helps businesses create innovative approaches to navigate the world of marketing. Sonya has been a part of the B2B retail industry for more than 25 years and is the founder of the Home Improvement eRetailer Summit. Follow Sonya on Twitter @jarvisconsult and @eretailersummit or contact her directly at sonya@jarvisconsultants.com.  She is also a book author and her books can be found on AMAZON.