Marketing for Dummies

    We all know that with todays high tech gadgets and Twitter, FaceBook, LinkedIn and so on- That marketing your name and your product have become more challenging. In this age of impersonal, never have to speak to your customers, digital society...The personal touch can make all the difference.
   I happen to be 'Old School'. I was brought up in a family of salesmen that all swore by the "Rules Of Three".~ Three seconds. Three feet. Three days. Three people.~
  I have personally used all these methods to my own advantage. I have also seen them draw a considerable amount of repeat business.
   Three Seconds- is all it takes to introduce yourself and get a plug in for you or your business. " Hi. I'm Katy and I run  Buffalo Gals Bakery & Country Store"
   Three Feet- Any who gets within three feet of you..introduce yourself. Take the opportunity to hand out a business card if you have one.
   Three Days- The absolute longest amount of time that should lapse after you tell someone you will call, and actually doing it. You should always make it a point to do call backs within three days. It conveys that you really are interested.
   Three People- the amount of people you should go out of your way to either introduce yourself to, or mention your product/business to each day.

   Using the Rules of Three makes great sense economically for marketing. It didn't cost you anything to implement! It keeps your name/products in peoples minds. It also builds trust and rapport in a way that an impersonal ad can never do.
   It's a great networking tool. Even if the initial contact does not want/use your product or service, that's an opportunity for you to ask them to pass your card  to, or refer you to someone they know who might. 
   In every situation there is an opportunity to apply at least one of the Rules of Three. The rules are simple, but effective.

Katy
  

The Grandest Lady in the Land ( The history of my Biscotti)

  ....was my Grammy. ~ Helen Louise Baldini-Bragdon
       That's where my Biscotti recipe came from.
                               
                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
           *The Viking legend of Grammy starts like this....She came over on the Nina...Christopher Columbus is her 'il nipote' (grandson).... KIDDING!!!
     
                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
                            Grammy was First Generation American/Italian

                 Biscotti is the plural form of Biscotto...It means Twice Cooked/Baked. .The correct name is Biscotti di Pratto. It is also called Cantuccini. (coffee bread)

Grammy Helen

          * Interesting fact*...Twice baked breads were a staple of the Roman Legions.
Biscotti, if kept airtight, can last for centuries. It was staple for long journeys and on ships. It was treated much the way pioneers treated Hard Tack.
   Biscotti is usually a very hard, very dry biscuit/cookie. To soften up the biscotti, it is usually dipped in Coffee or Tea or Wine. Many people use biscotti with Soups and Sauces.

    The history of MY Biscotti recipe:
          When we were little, my Grammy made Biscotti for us. Grammy told me that her Mama told her how to make it....That makes my recipe nearly 100 years old!  Grammy also said plain (country) folks had more traditional Biscotti while 'City Folk' had  fancy Biscotti. 


Grammy is 2nd from the left

      Grammy made ours as smaller Biscotti.Usually about 3-4" long, vs  the more traditional Long biscotti. Why, you ask? "Because a LADY (as she's staring me down) would NEVER be caught in public with an 8" long anything hanging out her mouth"...Now that I am older and infinitely wiser, I think it was twofold. 1) it was much easier for little hands to hold and dunk, and 2) to teach her heathen granddaughter some manners.
     I make ours at Buffalo Gals in both the shorter 2paks or the single long biscotti. The 2paks are great... One for now. One for Later!
     As I got older, she didn't make it as often.
Many, many years went by..... my Mom gave me a set of handwritten cookbooks. Tucked into the back were a few loose recipes on scraps of paper. Among them, was the Biscotti recipe!
                                                             Lucky me!
   Now I get to share my history and my Yummy Biscotti with you!...and while I will NOT share my recipe, I do have some hints and tricks...
      * For a higher, fluffier Biscotti~ use the mixer and whip it good.
      * When sending through the oven the second time~ bake 5 min on each side and then stand up for 3-5 more minutes. They will bake better like this and the bottoms wont scorch.
      * Using Cocoa Powder? ~ for every 1/2 Cup cocoa, decrease flour by 1/4- 1/2 cup.

Ciao! ~

My Cinna-Mocha Biscotti

Katy

   

  

What does being 'BuffaloGals' mean?

 
A heck-of-a-lot!
     So, what does it all mean?
     Being the Buffalo Gal in Buffalo Gals Bakery & Country Store is more than just being a business owner. It's more like being a community.
     My little bakery and country store is my way of helping support our family farm.  It means I can use my domestic and homesteading skills to stay on the land that I love.    We have cattle and grains. And it's a bit like being the Pied Piper for me. My 'girlz' are mostly tame and follow me around like very big dogs.
     Buffalo Gals means self-sufficiency, giving, hard work and more. It's thinking outside the box to find solutions. It's helping others. It's enjoying the land and little play time.

Bohemian Brew Bag

     When somebody buys a  Bohemian Brew Bag , it doesn't just mean that I got paid for something I created. It helps a whole lot of other people. Right off the bat I give a percentage to Dakota Prairie Partners~A philanthropy group. "Hope, Inspiration & Vision"  It also means that the incredible lady from MoJo Roast Inc is doing well, because I am able to get the Coffee Bags from her. In turn, her being able to empty the coffee bags of beans, means that her dollars (and yours by purchasing her coffees) are supporting the Cafe Feminino program which in turn empowers women in Guatemala to be self sufficient. 
    When somebody buys Old Glory sugar cookies they are helping me support our troops. The proceeds from these fabulous soft cookies goes to Wounded Warrior Project. This is important to me, as I have two boys who serve. (Marines and Nat'l Guard)
  I also give to the PBR's Rider Relief Fund....
    Through my business I have met incredibly wonderful people, and had some amazing opportunities come my way. Last year I was able to participate in OSU's "An evening of Art & Fashion" by donating a handmade quilt to the silent auction.  The monies raised were used to help  Deployed Service Women finish their educations long distance.   
   It seems like we are all connected to each other in some way. Through giving, mentoring, donating and more.
   I know many, many other small business owners that give tirelessly of their time and talents outside of their own businesses.
   We ARE part of a Community.  

So~ Thank you!  For supporting my community ...

Katy

    
   
  
    
    

Make it do, or do without!

Remember the old adage "Use it up,
                                          Wear it Out,
                                          Make it Do,
                                          Or do Without"?
      My grandparents said that. My own parents said it. I even uttered it to my kids. Once.
What were we called? Thrifty. Penny-wise. Tight. Creative....

           Some people have been making do forever...I am one of them. Mine is more a crafty thing. I almost can't pass up a neglected object without thinking "Gee, I can make a......."
     Nowadays there a boodle of fancy names for it. "Green. Up-cycle. Re-cycle. Re-purpose. Salvage.Re-utilize.
      I know it absolutely drives my husband nuts when I drag something home.  I happen to have a pile of projects. In the spare room, in the potting shed, in the barn, in the basement, and sometimes on the kitchen table.
    Currently I have been making Purses and Aprons. I am very lucky to have friends that give me stuff. I have a good amount of Burlap Coffee Bags that I got from my friend Jo Khalifa at MoJo Roast. She is a "Personal Coffee Roaster". Good for me that she gets some killer coffee bags that she passes on!
    This is a Win-Win situation. She buys some of her coffees from the Cafe Feminino project. A portion of those proceeds go to women's causes in coffee producing countries. In turn, I receive the bags and am able to make purses and other items. The money from these not only funds my business, but allows me to give back in return.
    Leftover wood becomes garden trellis's, (usually painted some shocking color) Old jeans become quilts, Any kind of found boxes become planters....and so on.
   For those who know me, they know that found usually involves me tip-toeing cheerfully through some abandoned homestead, willfully plundering...:)  
    As much as I love Flea Markets, I try to stay away....I have found out that's where the Under Stuffed go to get more stuff! Too easy for this girl to get way too much.
   When was the last time you made something? Isn't creating fun?

Katy
  
  

                    

I could be a very happy girl!

THIS BARN

THIS KITCHEN

                  PLUS







                                          Would make me a very happy girl!
      I need a commercial kitchen here at the farm. We have some ideas. Of course there is the tug of war of  Mine vs His. Hubby needs Vision. To be able to think outside the box. ~ Or barn, as the case may be.
    In my wildest dreams, my space would have a full Atomic Kitchen from the 50's. It would be bright, cheery, wildly colorful and comfy at the same time.
     Many years ago I visited an old man who was remodeling his kitchen in Flagler, Colorado. It was a complete Pale Pink Atomic Kitchen. Rounded counters, under the counter refrigeration, pull outs, over-under matching double ovens....Ohhhhhh myyyyyy. I was in heaven!
    I also about cried when he just 'junked' it to the pile. Poor Kit couldn't even begin to understand why I was so distraught!
      When we needed a new stove and fridge for the house, I headed to my favorite Antique store in Sacramento. (I was on vacation) There I found THE kitchen for me! I tried to reason with hubby. I could buy this 'whole' kitchen...working even...for the price of a new fridge. He wouldn't budge an inch. I'm still kicking myself in the shorts over that!
       I spent many hours next to Grammy's massive old stove in the kitchen in San Francisco. I recall it had a warming drawer and a place where you could hook up tubing for hot water. Grammy used to make my favorite round grilled cheese on it. She also heated her metal curling iron on it. (for the rare occasions I would sit still long enough...)
    Around 2003 hip magazines started touting the "Joys of Housework"  calling it 'theraputic', 'self-esteem building',  yes....even 'thrilling'.  Fiesta Ware and metal tumblers started making a comeback. And Martha rocketed to stardom!
       Funny, ain't it?

Where is this NOW?

Fun fact***** In the '50's Ladies Home Journal Art of Homemaking suggested that a ladies (house)dress should be "Wide enough for action, but not so wide that it will get in your way or make you trip on stairs or a ladder...."
                             Can you just see me now? Stop laughing already!
   But I digress...
In a nut shell, I want to bring some nostalgia to my little space. To be comfy and cozy. And have you want to come by, have a cup of coffee and a chat. I want to share my recipes with you and gardening tips.
    And speaking of...How about this recipe for Cheese Straws... A friends mom used to make these.
                (the paper it's on says it came from a Kraft Cheese box)
                             1/3 cup grated American Cheese
                             1 Tbs Butter
                             1 1/2 Tbs milk
                             4 Tbs Flour
                             1/2 c Bread Crumbs (seasoned to taste)
               Cream together cheese and butter. Add milk. In a small bowl combine flour and seasonings. Add to mixture. Knead lightly until smooth. Roll to pastry thickness. (about 1/4 inch) Cut into strips 6" x 3/4". Bake on greased cookie sheets in oven until browned.
           * these are good with soups and salads*
                      
 I have the Vision. I WILL make it happen! (soon)
Katy

  

And a story about Leggs, brings us to Eggs!

  Eggs-
     They come in all sizes and colors.
                 Some are Brown
                 Some are Blue
                 Most eggs are good for you!

    Here at Buffalo Gals Bakery, we know a thing or two about eggs! We get ours from a nearby farmer that raises only real free range chickens. They feed on the grasses that grown naturally and are not given any hormones.
  *Did you know that truly fresh eggs are nearly impossible to peel? Their low Albumen PH level causes the albumen to adhere to the inner shell.
     If you let your farm fresh eggs 'age' for about a week and then boil them, the shells will come right off.
  * Most supermarket eggs are already 3-5 weeks old before they are even on the shelf. The expiration date on the carton is a 30 day expiration  from the time they were packaged!!!
  * Farm Fresh eggs have on average seven times more Beta Carotene, twice as many Omega 3's, 1/3 less cholesterol, 1/4  less saturated fat and three  times the vitamin E than 'store' bought eggs.
                  And they taste better!
 
    According to an old joke "the best way to keep an egg fresh, is to keep it in the chicken!"



Mike the Headless Chicken
www.miketheheadlesschicken.org
is an entirely different story!

   * You CAN keep fresh eggs for long periods of time. Stored UNWASHED in cool pace- whether it's the basement, fruit cellar, refrigerator- fresh eggs will keep for for a couple months and still be perfectly fresh.
   Why??? Because they are unwashed! Hen Fruit, right from the chicken, is coated with a natural sealant called "Bloom". While washed eggs are definitely prettier, leaving them unwashed protects them against bacteria and aging.                                                 

*NO! WE DO NOT KEEP EGGS THIS LONG IN THE BAKERY!*
        Uncle Sam & our local Health Department sez No Way!

     As a consumer YOU SHOULD KNOW  that chemicals are used to wash the eggs from factory chickens before they go to the grocery. Some of these chemicals are : Chlorine, Ozone, Hydrogen Peroxide, Potassium or Sodium Hydroxide (that means LYE) . Since egg shells are porous, a portion of the chemicals will be absorbed into the egg. That's the part to be concerned about.
         I'm not saying you Shouldn't  eat 'store' eggs, I just wanted to point out some facts.

  Julia Childs once said "The egg can be your best friend, if you just give it the right break."

 Manga! Manga!
      Katy

Doing good feels good!

Marine Jean Quilt

                 An Evening of Art & Fashion for a great cause.

     High fashion, Generous donations and a fabulous group of ladies from the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University made a difference in the lives of Military families.
    With a motto of " Breaking thorough barriers for women and girls" The OSU chapter of AAUW  put together this fundraiser to provide computers for Deployed Military Women to continue their educations online. And also funds for Single mothers to finish theirs.
                                           An Evening of Arts and Fashion

Ali B's Original Designs

   Among the donations was a Marine Jean Quilt, made by me. I got the jeans from the quilt from my son Cpl. Dillon Tapparo. He originally was acquiring jeans from his buddies on post so I would make him a new blanket. Luckily he gave me enough for two. Jeretta Nord Horn (director of the OSU chapter AAUW) decided that my quilt would do much better in the live auction-(Which also featured items from world renown designer Stella Thomas). There was fierce bidding for it .
      The Marine Jean Quit eventually was sold for 800 dollars. It was able to purchase THREE computers!
   Among the other donors was the incredibly talented Alanna Beoppre of Ali B's Originals in Bottineau, ND. She makes outstanding custom jewelry.
  Jo Khalifa of MoJo Roast in Westhope,ND "Your Personal Coffee Roaster" also generously gave of both her time and talents. As a friend of Jeretta Nord Horn, Jo was asked to be of assistance. Jo put out the word to North Dakota companies to provide donation items for a silent auction.

Original Stella Thomas Designs

                          The evening was a great success!
And what's more, these women that are benefiting from this event are leading the way with their Can Do Attitude. They are proving that anything is possible.
                                                   May God keep them safe.
 

Can Do!!

It's an attitude!
   A way of life for some....

   There really is nothing you can't do if you're determined. Sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes you may get thwarted. Or run into a brick all. But that's all it is. A wall. An object to go around.
  From the time I was a tot, I hated being thwarted in what ever it was I wanted to do. I was often called Margaret by my parents because my Grammy Margaret didn't know the meaning of the word 'NO'.
                                    NO is just a word.
  I have a little business selling Biscotti and Cookies and such. (www.buffalogalsbakery.com ) I also have a few accounts. I want to grow my business. However- money and a new commercial kitchen are my current issues thwarting me.
   I still work a day job. So, instead of going all out and spending money I don't have yet, I decided to  plug away at getting the word out. I am learning how to use Social Media effectively,  write about my Biscotti,  send out a few samples a week,(postage costs money)  and  I rely on friends to help spread the word of Buffalo Gals. In the meantime, I am putting away a little money at a time for a commercial kitchen here at the farm verses driving to a rented one.
   I butt heads with hubby over this one. (But I'll wear him down!) I have been doing my research. Have looked at countless buildings, talked to contractors about remodeling an existing farm building. We have debated the wisdom and practically and ultimate cost of each.
   Now, I am about ready to part with my hard earned money. After all, 'the only way to make money is to spend money'.
                                   Such a true statement!
   I have found my way around the wall. It's taking a little longer than what I would like. But I am moving forwards towards my goals. Each step brings me closer.

      So go for it!

Katy