The View from The Niagara Guide

New things in Niagara Business, Specials, Sales etc. and Other Observations

Do people want the truth?

Mark Kawabe - Sunday, January 06, 2013

The more I experience, the less I believe people really, deep down, honestly want to know the truth.

As long as information fits the worldview of the person receiving it, that information will be perceived as  truth. That is why there are multiple truths: everyone has a unique perspective based on their own experiences.

One person has a great experience at a restaurant and it's their favourite. Another person gets sick after eating at the same restaurant, attributes the illness to food poisoning and tells everyone they can to stay away.

We are bombarded by advertising that tries to convince us we're not good enough or that our lives are lacking something or that we're going to die if we don't pop the newest pill.

Some people believe this. Others do not. Their truths differ based on their perspective and experience.

Even if you tell the truth, only some will believe it. Others may come to believe it if they change their perspective. Still others will never believe. That's fine, because that's the way it is.

That's why the internet is so wonderful for businesses. It allows people to collect information based on their worldview and their own perceived needs. As a business owner, it's important to remember this so you can keep your focus on the people who are open to needing or wanting your product. There's not much point promoting a butcher shop to vegans or a spiritual retreat to an atheist.

And that's the truth ; )



Something for Nothing

Mark Kawabe - Saturday, January 05, 2013

If you could get something for nothing, would you?

Here's an offer for all small Niagara non-profits: a free enhanced listing. No cost.

Just click for the details: http://www.nonprofitniagara.com/freelisting.asp

This offer's been available since we started The Niagara Guide. It's just our way of giving back to the community.



Welcoming A.H.A. Wellness Services to The Niagara Guide

Mark Kawabe - Thursday, October 04, 2012

I'd like to thank Sheri Webber from A.H.A. Wellness services for signing up with The Niagara Health Guide.

Sheri's one of those unique individuals who finds something that works and then sticks with it. Her work with essential oils and ion detoxification has made a difference in people's lives.

We all know we need to live healthier lives. Helping our bodies clean up is important. Detoxification should be more prevalent in our toxified society, but of course, it's not a top of mind topic for many.

You owe it to yourself and your health to check out A.H.A. Wellness Services.



We Can Fill It!

Mark Kawabe - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Call me inspired. Hopeful. Even "Pollyanna-ish" if you will.

I think there's enough good news in Niagara that it deserves its own blog.

So, I created one.

/_blog/Niagara_Good_News

Let's share some good news about Niagara.



Wanted: Good News in Niagara

Mark Kawabe - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

It seems nary a day passes without more crappy news about Niagara.

Whether it's the slots closing in Fort Erie or outbreaks of C. Difficile in hospitals or any number of bad economic stories, there's a paucity of good news about Niagara in the mainstream media.

Well, I have news for you. You don't have to buy into that crap.

Seriously. We've all heard enough bad news that without hearing anymore, we have enough to print a newspaper full of it every day for the rest of our lives. How exactly is that helping us get through life?

You've probably heard the term 'Pollyanna'. It's the name of the lead character of a 1913 book called "Pollyanna". The little girl in the book steadfastly works on finding the good or positive in every situation.

Sometimes calling someone a "Pollyanna" is meant to describe them as a person who refuses to believe the reality of a situation. I'm not saying that bad situations aren't bad. They suck. But there are a number of sayings that speak to the possibilities that surround us every day, whether the circumstances are good or bad. You've probably heard a few of these.

  • For every door that closes another opens.
  • Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining.
  • There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.

Every day I challenge myself to rise above the mental fog of negativity to where the sun shines. I didn't say it was easy, but I do my best. I'm sure you have your challenges. We all do. I challenge you to add one more: look for the positive in your life.

It's there, if you choose to look for it.

Did you find some? Good. Tell Niagara about it. Comment on this post and shine some light in Niagara.

Let's work together to share the good news that exists in Niagara. Your story of good, no matter how small, can inspire others. If you make even one person feel better, isn't it worth it?

There you go Niagara. There's your challenge. Let's get started.



Volunteer Saluted at Garrison Little Theatre!

Mark Kawabe - Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Long time volunteer Joan Davis was feted during the last curtain call at Garrison Little Theatre's production of Don't Dress for Dinner, March 3, 2012.

Congratulations Joan!



"KNOW it ALL" Niagara New Linkers & Events

Mark Kawabe - Wednesday, March 07, 2012

"KNOW it ALL" Niagara is on the grow!

This is one of the networking groups I belong to. It's run by Carrie Matthews and it's not your average networking group. Carrie does her utmost to refer and recommend members of "KNOW it ALL" Niagara (known as "Linkers) whenever possible. She's another voice to help you market when perhaps you don't have time to do so.

"KNOW it ALL" Niagara is pleased to welcome the following companies as Linkers:

  • Kool Katts - Caribbean Restaurant & Juice Bar, Niagara Falls
  • Roma Zotzman - Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
  • Passion Parties by Ryan
  • Note for Note Professional Music Productions Inc.
  • Jon Radick - Niagara Health & Home Expo
  • Gasline Pines - trees
  • Organo Gold - coffee

You can find out more about these Linkers at http://www.knowitallniagara.com.

Also, check out the event calendar for other networking events held by "KNOW it ALL" Niagara.



Glitches . . .

Mark Kawabe - Thursday, March 01, 2012

In case anyone's wondering why we hadn't responded to their inquiries . . . we had a glitch in the system.

It's fixed and we're working on getting caught up.

Our apologies for any inconvenience.



Love is in the Air for Niagara

Mark Kawabe - Thursday, January 19, 2012

With a little less than a month away to the most romantic day of the year, Power Two You Productions invites all 18+ to join them for Niagara’s 3rd Annual - Professional “Niagara Romance & Sex Expo” on Sunday February 5th, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 7389 Lundy’s Lane, N. Falls, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Full article online at the following URL:

/business/niagara-press-release/2012/love-is-in-the-air-niagara-romance.htm 

This is an example of what we do with free press release submissions. Haven't submitted a press release yet? Just log in or register and get started!



A bit behind the times...

Mark Kawabe - Monday, January 16, 2012

We were informed today that Saturn Stables has been closed for the past year.

Of course, The Niagara Guide listing for Saturn Stables is #1 in Google in some web searches.

It's amazing how many other websites have outdated listings for Saturn Stables as well.

I guess we're not alone. One of the challenges of keeping web directories up to date is keeping on top of these things. This is why we've moved to a human-submission-based directory instead of relying on automated listings.

Because of that, sometimes it takes a little longer to get things done, but for the sake of accuracy, I think it's worth it.




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