Spike Santee

We live in the over communicated society. As recently as 2005, experts estimated that the average consumer was bombarded by over 5,000 marketing messages every single day. But now with the explosion of marketing through the Internet, social networking and mobile platforms, that number of commercial messages the average consumer is exposed has increased so dramatically, a reliable estimate is difficult to find.

We all know this economy has been tough on the local small business owners we call on but there are signs of hope. Our customers need an encouraging word now and then so here is some good news you can pass along.

For eight years, I was a very frequent traveler, racking up hundreds of thousands of miles and points and qualifying segments with all of the major airlines. I enjoyed all of the perks that come with elite status, free upgrades, free trips, early boarding privileges and priority scheduling options when delays interrupted one of my trips.

I’ve been flying for a very long time. Not as long as some folks but I was a frequently flyer back when they still let people smoke cigarettes on the plane. Back in those days, the airports did not offer many amenities. In many airports there was only one dining opportunity. Today, the airports have all of the major fast food chains and even some upscale restaurants. Not to mention all of the retail outlets. There is a Brooks Brothers in Terminal D at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.