the Humble Balloon

Haiku for perspective & comic relief

2009-11-22T14:40:00.003-06:00

Be here now.
Be someplace else later.
Is that so complicated?

My brother, the doctor has been know to space out at the dinner table. Once when asked, if he had gone to the Golf Course after one of these moments, he replied, "yes, but sometimes when I am at work, I come home."

Wherever you go, there you are.
Your luggage is another story.

Whenever my children ask "where are we?" The answer they receive is "right here." They now answer their own questions.

Accept misfortune as a blessing.
Do not wish for perfect health, or a life without problems.
What would you talk about?

This is Alice's favorite.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Forget this and attaining enlightenment will be the least of your problems.

Fall Colors

2009-10-29T09:41:00.005-05:00

It has been a fabulous week for colors in the Chicago area. Tuesday it was raining again, just lightly & there was very little wind. As I coming home there were carpets of leaves covering the area under many of the trees. Some were reds others were yellows & a few oranges too. It was a very pleasing effect & I was thankful to be there to see it.
Last night was "The Taste of Randolph Fulton Market." Brody's donated the balloons. We asked Bill & Teri from American Balloon Company of Glen Ellyn to create & install the decor at the event. The event is held at the Galleria Marchetti an excellent venue for this type of networking.

It is not easy to photograph this stuff, but I believe these images give you a feel for how they looked. The RFMA Taste was very successful this year. The balloons were a hit & of course the food was exceptional.

Frosty Morning Walk by the Creek

2009-10-11T20:18:00.007-05:00

It was cold in the Chicago area today, I suppose that is why it was so still & quite when I woke at about 7. The Salt Creek runs about ½ a mile from my house. I have enjoyed many hours walking, skiing, biking & boating in & around this visionary resource over the 20 plus years that I have lived in Westchester, IL.

In college I was a Photography Major, but I burned out my junior year, & never pursued photography professionally. I have an recurring fantasy of working for National Geographic, or Sports Illustrated, which I nourish by having this saying next to one of my many desks "It's never to late to be what you could have been."

On one of my walks last year I was awed by the frost crystals on the plants. I did not have a camera with me & must have made a pact with myself to revisit this place at the proper time. This morning I was disappointed as I walked the trail. There was no frost, no ice in frozen puddles, the ground didn't even crunch under my footfalls.

I did find some nice mushrooms.
These mushrooms made me think of the "Omnivore's Dilemma" which is; they sure do look good, but will they kill you if you eat them? There is another part of this dilemma too, being a true Omnivore one will eat anything, therefore we have morals & ethics.

Well I kept on going & lucky for me I wandered into the back side of the sledding hill. The open prairie like space was frosted! You may not realize but you must have very special conditions to have this kind of frost or even dew. If there is any wind at all they will not form.
What does any of this have to do with balloons, you ask? Well everything & nothing at all.

A Call to Action From Our Commander-in-Chief

2009-10-09T18:03:00.005-05:00

This arrived in my inbox this afternoon. I think it is wonderful!

From: President Barack Obama [mailto:info@barackobama.com]
Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 4:15 PM
To: Lee Kaufman
Subject: A call to action

Lee --

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama

Do You Speak BALLOON?

2009-10-07T17:21:00.007-05:00

Balloon-A-Paloosa 2007

Round, Non-Round, Foil, Latex, 260q, 160Q, 350Q, 646, 321, 418, 524, Flat, Packaged, Bag of ???,Link-O-loon, Mega-loon, DSSS, 60/40, hi-float, magmover, arch, column, canopy, pinch twist, bubble, twist, bend, soften, release, drop, size, double stuff, weave,

Questions?

The Art of Balloons

2009-09-26T09:13:00.005-05:00

Larry Moss the man behind BalloonHQ is a driving force behind the push to have balloons seen as a true artist medium. Please visit this link http://bit.ly/14Evpm to learn more, also go herehttp://www.artprize.org/artist/id/3750, then come back to leave your comments.

Wordle.net

2009-09-25T01:27:00.008-05:00

This was created by entering this blog's
address. Make your own at Wordle...

Bring Balloons

2009-09-25T00:51:00.006-05:00

Slacker that I am, I have not spread the word about

the IBA's industry "catch phrase"

It is Bring Balloons click to learn more.

Safe Balloon Practices For the Health of The Industry & Our Customers

2009-07-28T15:38:00.003-05:00

In recent years our industry has been in dangered by public safety issues. As a reaction to these issues many resources have been developed to have us protect the perception & value of balloons. Below are some of those resources.

The Balloon Council:
You can carry out smart balloon practices to take care using them. Some tips:

• Keep balloons secured to a weight. A helium filled balloon should be tied securely to a weight that will keep it from releasing into the air.

• Do not release foil balloons into the air. After the party is over, many people will want to take the balloons home, but when you’re finished with them, pop the balloons and dispose of them properly. Do not release them into the air, although it is very very rare, they can cause problems if they are tangled in power lines and can turn into roadside litter if not disposed of properly.

• Keep deflated or popped latex balloons away from small children to avoid risks of choking. Children under 8 years can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons; adults should always supervise young children with balloons.

• Latex balloons are made of natural rubber latex and are biodegradable, but may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to natural rubber latex.

RETAILERS: Click here to download an image about smart balloon practices to post on your Web site or in your store.

More later. Lee

Investing for better times ahead

2009-07-26T15:00:00.007-05:00

Sure the economy is a mess for many of us right now. I recently was talking with my daughter about what she saw in her future. She is starting her third year of undergrad studies at Purdue this fall. I was shocked when she mentioned how bad the economy & the job market looked. I brushed that comment aside & tried to remind her that her job right now was to get the necessary skills to be marketable when she is ready to enter the marketplace. Judy is a remarkable kid, who has done & will continue to do great things for herself & those she comes in contact with.

As a Yoga practitioner I know it is critical to be fully present in the moment, and to be fully aware of the larger context of our lives. This is the only moment we have, we can use it to worry about what is, or what will be, or we can use it to prepare. There are so many ways do this. Learning new skills, exercising both our bodies & minds will certainly serve us in many ways going forward. Here are a few things I have done at Brody's 800-4-Balloons over the past few months to be ready for the opportunities ahead.

8004Helium.com: We formed a partnership to distribute Helium. It is up & running with many happy customers. It hasn't been easy & we have had our share of setbacks, but we have continued our efforts, expecting to succeed.

Adding Item Numbers to our Category Pages on Brody's 800-4-balloons.com: This has made getting this information easier for our customers & ourselves too.

Refining our warehouse & information systems: Seems like this job is never finished, which of course speaks to job security, for everyone involved in the process.

Of course there are many other thing I would like to get done, & setting priorities is a completely different subject for perhaps another day. But I would like to download those idea here & now.

Sending out emails to customers.

Creating postcards to mail to existing & prospective customers.

Building Kiosks for customers to use in our showroom.

Installing a new phone system.

Fixing up the building inside & out.

Adding new products & product lines to the offerings.

Having sales meetings.

Spending time with the staff outside of work.

Training staff for future positions.

Calling customers we have not heard from in a while & asking why?

Sending out surveys.

I firmly believe that "luck is what shows up at the confluence of preparedness & opportunity." I like this quote I read recently "opportunities are easily missed because they come knocking looking dirty & dressed as hard work." You can spend your time worrying about how you will meet your next payroll, or you can prepare to take advantage of the next opportunity you spot. I encourage you to prepare. Lee

Please, Do Not Use The "M" Word When Speaking About Balloons!

2008-11-15T08:29:00.013-06:00

The balloons in this image are made of FOIL. Over the short, 25 years or so, life of the FOIL balloon, a large misuse of the "M" word has been going on everyday. Looking back at some of our older catalogs, I see that I too have been guilty of this atrocity.

I do not believe this use is a negative for the makers of "M". I believe it actually helps to build their brand. The balloon industry has made efforts to avoid & even eliminate the use of the "M" word, however; it is very difficult to change an ingrained public habit. I have caught most my staff using it, in just the past few weeks.

Why would the balloon industry, let alone the maker of "M" want to make this change? For the industry, so the "M" guys can leave us alone?

I received an email from a watchdog group hired by "M", to examine our industry & our use of the "M" word. I was very pleased when I did a little research on the Brody's 800-4-Balloons web site & found only 17 public uses of the "M" word (F.Y.I., we have over 8,000 items on our site). I was even happier when none of those uses, was associated with BALLOONS! I immediately replaced the "M" word with FOIL in each case. The watchdog's email also noted some 400 plus times where Brody's 800-4-Balloons had the "M" word in our meta tags. We are removing these! So, if you search "M" balloons you won't find us! Brody's 800-4-Balloons is a good corporate citizen thanks to these efforts.

My web research into our industry speaks volumes about the wide-spread misuse of the "M" word. Companies have the whole word in their names! They are using it in their descriptive copy and are even purchasing the search phrase "M---- Balloons!" I would suggest the "M" people go after Google & make them stop selling anything to do with the "M" word & balloons. I am sure there is a big difference between the foil material balloons are made of, & the "M" stuff. So let's respect those differences. Our recent presidential election was all about acceptance & change, I see an opportunity for unification in the balloon industry. We do not sell "M" balloons, "warm fuzzies" & "happiness" is what we sell, no matter what anyone calls the material!

I suggest we all expand our vocabularies with better descriptive words; such as, Foil, Metallic, Reflective, Silver, Holographic, Magnificent, over-the-top, WOW, Supra-Foil (You go Qualatex), Xtra-Life (by Anagram). So get out there and sell the "H" out of these wonderful balloons, but remember, call them FOIL balloons, please. Thanks for your cooperation. Lee

Bittersweet times of our lives....

2008-11-01T13:23:00.002-05:00

I received this picture today, as you might guess it is a mother and daughter. The mothers is Brody's, Anagram International CSR. I see in this picture, happiness, sadness, joy, caring, fear, longing & love. You might see other thing as well, but we (parents & even children of parents) understand the richness of such moments.

It was 10 years ago today that my father, the man who shaped me & taught me everything he could, lay on his death bed preparing to go somewhere he had never been before. I was happy for him, truly! I was very sad to see him go, but I knew he wasn't happy in his body anymore & needed to move beyond it. He was in hospice. My brothers & I had decided that one of us would stay at his house with him & our mother on alternating nights until something changed. I had spent the previous night & had not slept well. As more & more family members & friends called & stopped by, I felt a need to be with my young family. I found a quite moment with my father to tell him good bye, have fun, I love you. I embraced him one last time & went home knowing, that would be the last time I would see him alive. I was happy with that, I had no urge to see him draw his last breath or to experience the moment of death.

When I got home I was greeted by my 3 loving children ages 10, 6, & 3 as well as my beautiful wife. They where happy to see me. We all talked for a time, we where sad to lose him. Alice (my wife) & I knew he was the glue that held my extended family together. Without him there would be a void with no sign of a way to overcome it. We decided to take a walk in the woods even though it was a cold & grey day. It was a quiet, somber walk, with each of us absorbed in our own thoughts, but we where together & knew we had each other for support. I remember how sweet is was for me to have my little family to cling to and anchor me at this time of my life. I am still amazed that the business was able to survive this period, I believe that speaks to how solid a staff we have & how strong our customer base is.

This period of my life was when I recognized how bittersweet life can be. Terry, I thank you for sharing, & allow me to use your picture as a catalyst! I recognize now that we choose to be happy or sad, angry or accepting, it is our choice. Everything we do is a choice, choose to look for the good, & encourage others to do the same. Lee

Who is Marty Fish?

2008-10-28T17:39:00.002-05:00

Isn't he the guy at the gas station with the toupee?

No actually Marty Fish is a woman, and someone who I enjoy dancing with, even though she is a much better dancer than I am.

Marty Fish is the executive director of the IBA (the Intenational Balloon Assocication). A position she has staffed for about 10 years.

Catch Phrases for the Balloon Industry

2008-10-27T06:46:00.007-05:00

As you may or may not know, I am the immediate past president of the International Balloon Association (IBA). Over the last 2 or 3 years, the IBA has been discussing the use of a phrase that could be used in a national advertising campaign. The basic concept being similar to "Got Milk" only for the balloon industry.

It is clear to me that having & using phrases of this nature can be very helpful in many aspects of our lives. Think of "Just Do It!" or "Say NO to Drugs." My father had this little winner printed on the front our our warehouse back in the seventies "Brody's, where your $'s have more ¢'s." My father also published this one on our catalogs & brochures: "Our best advertisement is a satisfied customer." Not only does using a catch phrase tell your customers you care about their experience, it tells your employees how much you value the customer & why they should too.

Here are some of the ideas being tossed about in recent discussions. Some may be new (I have heard it said that there are no NEW ideas) while some have been used for years.
· Need Balloons?
· Say it with balloons!
· Bring Balloons!
· Share smiles. Give balloons!
BALLOONS CREATE SMILES !
Share Smiles - Give Balloons
Create Smiles - Give Balloons
· Balloons send smiles.
· The party doesn’t start until the balloons arrive.
· The party starts when the balloons arrive.
· Buy a balloon, save a tree.
· Color the world with balloons.
· Balloons: Smiles that float.
· Celebrate with balloons.
· Fun looks like a balloon.
· Balloons bring smiles.
· No balloons? Party hardly.
· Smiles never go out of style, send some balloons.
Balloons = Smiles
Balloons = (insert smile face symbol)
Give a smile... Give a balloon!
Get a smile... Give a balloon
Celebrate life with balloons
Balloons....celebrate life!
Create happiness with balloons
Balloons create happiness
Celebrate Balloons
Balloons = Celebrations
Without BALLOONS it's just another meeting.
Say it with Balloons
Enjoy Inflation! Buy Balloons!

These are good ideas that any of us could put to use in our businesses today. Doing so will almost certainly help your customers & prospects remember you when it is time to buy balloons.

I welcome your stories & ideas. Lee

Online Resources for the Balloon Industry

2008-10-10T18:32:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the Humble Balloon!
This blog is unashamedly created by http://www.brodys8004balloons.com/ in en effort to increase our visibility to our past, present & future customers. Brody's 800-4-Balloons is located in Chicago's West loop neighborhood at 1101 West Randolph Street. Oprah's Harpo Studios surrounds us. Our showroom & warehouse contains millions of foil & latex balloons, as well as toys, hats, tableware, party favors, helium, decorations, gifts, bags, cellophane, masks, boas, & more. Please have a look around at our web site http://www.brodys8004balloons.com/. We have a $50.00 minimum order, both on the web & in our showroom. We welcome you to shop if the minimum is not an issue. We are strictly a WHOLESALER of balloons, we do not offer inflation or deliver services. If you are in need of a "professional balloon decorator" do give us a call, tell us your zip code & we should be able to hook you up with someone in your area.

Ok, enough about us, here are some online resouces for Balloon Professionals.
#1 http://www.balloonhq.com/ Brody's is a sponsor & advertiser here, they link to our site.
#2 http://www.balloonresourcecenter.com/ Brody's is a Supporting Distrbutor, they link to our site.
#3 http://www.hi-float.com/ Brody's is a distributor of Hi-Float,they link to our site.
#4 http://www.qualatex.com/ Brody's is a full-line Qualatex Distributor, they link to our site.
#5 http://www.ibaonline.net/ Brody's is a Distributor Member, I am the current Past President, they link to our site.
#6 http://www.anagramintl.com/ Brody's is a full-line Anagram Distributor, they link to our site.
#7 http://www.betallic.com/ Brody's is a full-line Betallic Distributor, they link to our site.
#8 http://www.ballooncast.org/ Brody's is considering sponsorship, they do not link to our site

You can expect to see new listings as time permits, thank you for your interest. Lee